Cobh Ramblers got the better of Athlone Town for the first time this season as they secured a hard fought 2-1 victory at St. Colman’s Park on Saturday evening. In a very entertaining and open first half, the game did not take long to spark into lif
Cobh Ramblers got the better of Athlone Town for the first time this season as they secured a hard fought 2-1 victory at St. Colman’s Park on Saturday evening.
In a very entertaining and open first half, the game did not take long to spark into life. Aaron Brilly tested the gloves of Rams keeper Hunt in the opening minutes while moments later Stephen O’ Leary forced Aaron Myles into a smart save from a low shot.
The Athlone keeper was in the thick of the action and pulled off a top class save in the 12th minute when Charlie Lyons rifled a shot towards the top corner from twelve yards out that the Athlone stopper somehow palmed away.
Athlone responded to that chance by almost taking the lead a minute later when a Darren Meenan corner was headed over by Paddy Kelly. Chances were coming thick and fast for both sides with Ian Turner missing for the home side before Hamzat struck a post for Athlone.
The opening goal finally came in the 42nd minute and it went to the home side after some good work by Harlson allowed him cross for O’ Leary who nodded home from close range.
Athlone emerged for the second half with increased impetus and got their reward almost immediately. Hamilton crossed a free kick into the box where Kelly got ahead of his marker and side footed home from close range.
Aaron Brilly almost completed the comeback moments later but his excellent volley was a whisker wide of the post with Hunt rooted to the spot. Athlone were in the ascendency now but it was Ramblers who scored next.
A delightful Stephen Christopher free kick was met at the back post by Jamie O’ Sullivan who expertly placed his header across Myles into the far corner. Ramblers missed two more great opportunities through McSweeney and Leonard but it did not matter in the end as they held on to secure their third straight home victory.
