Match Report: Wexford FC (A)

Athlone Town 1-0 Wexford FC

Athlone Town emerged victorious in Friday night’s clash against Wexford FC with Gideon Tetteh’s first half goal proving the difference.Stephen Elliot’s side came into this one expecting a victory following their strong start to the season, but Dario Castelo’s men had other ideas.

In an entertaining first half, Matt Connor was called into action early on in this one, making a superb save from a one on one chance against Wexford attacker, Ryan Kelly. Connor spread himself wide, stopping what seemed like a certain goal for the home side. Wexford controlled the game in the early stages, with some quick intricate passing, attempting to unlock the Athlone defence.

Mikie Rowe proved influential in the early stages, running at the heart of the Athlone defence. The winger saw Matt Connor parry an in-swinging cross into his path, but some resolute Athlone defending saw his shot deflected behind.

This game was being played at a ferocious pace on Friday night, with Kyle Robinson just aiming wide of the target, following a flick on from Cole Omorehiomwan, the away side began to grow in confidence with Gideon Tetteh and Ben Feeney keeping the Wexford defender alert.

Aaron Connolly continued to grow into this game as it progressed, controlling the centre of the pitch and breaking up any potential for a lucrative Wexford attack, through his physicality and sheer determination.

Omorehiomwan continued to be a menace for Wexford, with his height and strength proving to be a target for the threatening Athlone set pieces. The game ticked into the 30th minute all sqaure, with Athlone on constantly knocking on the door of the Paul Martin’s goal, forcing him into a well executed save from a low driven Ben Feeney shot from just inside the penalty area.

Tetteh Breaks the Deadlock (40′)

As the game entered the 40th minute, Athlone found themselves on the break, initiated by a searching ball from JR Wilson into the path of Ben Feeney, preceded by a Dylan Hand goal-saving clearance! Some neat control by Feeney saw the ball spread to the left wing finding Tetteh, who chopped in onto his right foot, beating two defenders before a tantalizing effort into the top corner of Martin’s goal, leaving the Wexford keeper with no chance.

The speed and detailed dribbling of the winger left the Wexford full-back’s for dead. A superb counter attack, started from our own penalty box, resulting in Tetteh scoring the first goal against Wexford FC this season. Half-time Athlone Town 1-0 Wexford FC

Brian Torre replaced Kyle O’Connor at the break. Tetteh continued the second half like he ended the first, the 19-year-old broke from a Wexford corner, displaying superb strength to hold off two Wexford defenders as Athlone pushed for another early on. The aformentioned duo of Hand and Omorehiomwan were instrumental in orchestrating the defence, leading from the back and proving gargantuan targets from set pieces.

A spectacular acrobatic effort saw Kyle Robinson hit the cross bar as Athlone continued to push for a second. It was evident the team had grown in confidence following the Midland’s derby and a constructive first-half display.

Omorehiomwan was certain he had found that second goal following a pinpoint cross from JR Wilson, but a strong hand from the Wexford keeper saw him flick the effort around the post following a diving save. Athlone continued to work hard both on and off the ball. Ben Feeney, Dean Williams and Billy Gilmore showing a strong work rate to defend the slender lead.

Dario introduced fresh legs in the 67th minute with Bastien Hery and Kailin Barlow introduced as Kyle Robinson and Billy Gilmore made way, with both exemplifying the work rate and tenacity throughout.

Attack was certainly the best form of defence as Athlone continued to push, denying the home side of any clear cut chances, until Jack Larkin forced another quick-reflex save from Matt Connor following some slick dribbling in the penalty area.

As the game approached the closing stages, Elliot’s men resulted to hoof ball as they attempted to find an equaliser, but it was to no avail. The game finished 1-0 with Tetteh’s torpedo proving the difference. That’s four points from the last two games, both away from home. It’s UCD up next for Athlone as they look to ascend the table.

Teams

Athlone: Athlone Town: Matthew Connor; JR Wilson, Dylan Hand, Cole Omorehiomwan, Kyle
O’Connor, Ben Feeney, Billy Gilmore, Aaron Connolly, Gideon Tetteh, Kyle Robinson, Dean
Williams. Substitutes used: Brian Torre, Bastien Hery, Kailin Barlow, Noe Baba, Agbo Babatunde

Wexford: Paul Martin, Darragh Dunne, Robbie McCourt, Josh Lyons, James Crawford, Mikie Rowe, Zayd Abada, Jack Larkin, Ryan Kelly, Kaylem Hartnett, Luke Kehir

Report by Jake McLoughlin