A strong showing from Athlone Town in the Easter Monday Midland’s derby was not enough to see off Longford Town as Daragh Murtagh’s 90th minute equaliser meant the points were shared

With both teams coming into this game level on eight points a piece, the importance of this came could not be understated with bragging rights on the line.

From kick-off, Longford’s Pharell Manuel saw his effort land on the top of the Athlone net within 20 seconds. As the game continued, importance led to apprehension in the opening exchanges of the game, with neither team creating clear cut chances in the opening 20 minutes.

The atmosphere of a lively Lissywollen contributed to the raucous atmosphere on the pitch, with the physical nature of this clash evident from the outset. Aaron Connolly and Kailin Barlow dictated play in the middle third, with their strength and prowess providing solidity for the home side.

Longford’s Francis Campbell forced a pivotal save from Axworthy Duggan, who closed down the Longford striker who only had the keeper to beat, a sign of things to come in the closing stages of the first half as defences became stretched and the game ignited.

Once again, Campbell found himself with an opportunity on the edge of the penalty area, only for Declan McDaid to valiantly throw himself in front of the shot from point-blank range. The winger appeared to injure his rib in the process, which saw Brian Torre replace him just before half time, with neither team able to break the deadlock before the break.

Second Half

Athlone dominated the start of the second half. Billy Gilmore dropped deeper to collect the ball, springing attacks with his silky dribbling and precision passing. Gilmore himself had an opportunity to open the scoring, as did Kailin Barlow and susbstitute Ben Feeney. The resilient Longford defence continued to frustrate the Athlone attack.

Eventually, it was that man Gideon Tetteh who opened the scoring. Brian Torre’s pinpoint pass in between the Longford centre halves found the feet of Tetteh, whose strike rocketed into the bottom corner, much to the elation of the loyal home support.

As the atmosphere intensified in the stand, both teams fed off the raucous ambience, with a flurry of tangible tackles going in from JR Wilson and Kailin Barlow, as Athlone vied to cling on for three points.

Longford’s Aaron Doran collected the possesion on the right-wing, his accurate cross found the head of Daragh Murtagh whose header found the top corner, leaving Axworthy Duggan with no chance. Final score 1-1.

A strong performance from Athlone, with a number of positives to take. From the first whistle, the energy from the home crowd injected confidence into the Athlone team who were the better side on the day. With Treaty United away on Friday, the lads will be hoping the loyal support continues in the same manner.

Match report by Jake McLoughlin

Photo by Thomas Gallagher