Men’s Match Report: Finn Harps (A)

A comprehensive performance away to Finn Harps ensured Athlone claimed all three points with goals from Ben Feeney and Gideon Tetteh.

Arriving in Ballybofey, Athlone were three points behind Harps, sitting at the bottom of the table. Victory ensured that we lifted from the foot of the table, tied on points with Harps and just four points off Wexford in fifth place.

It was the perfect start in Finn Park as Kailin Barlow’s pinpoint cross found the head of Ben Feeney who’s header left Harp’s keeper Oisin Cooney with no chance. A well worked goal, contributed to a superb start following some early pressure which set the tone for this encounter from the outset.

Athlone continued to control the play following the opening goal, reducing the home side to some half chances which failed to threaten Matt Connor’s goal.

Harps forward, Dara McGuinness found himself in space on the left wing, before cutting in and running at the heart of the Athlone defence, his low driven cross found the feet of Gavin Hodgins, whose effort flew over the bar from the edge of the six yard box.

Cole Omorehiomwan, who returned to the starting eleven for the first time in four games, reminded the Athlone faithful of his presence in defence, constantly frustrating the Athlone attack.

Athlone’s game management skills were prominent, having opened the scoring early, they maintained the Harps attack, containing danger men Gavin Hodgins and Gradi Lomboto. The teams went down the tunnel with Athlone holding on to their deserved lead.

Harps started the second half the stronger as they searched for an equaliser with Aaron McLaughlin coming close following a melee of chances for the Donegal side in the penalty area.

As play continued, neither team threatened, with the majority of the battle taking place in the middle third of the pitch as Declan McDaid replaced Kailin Barlow, with Athlone desperately searching for the second goal cushion.

The aforementioned Hodgins spectacular volley from the edge of the box, sailed past Connor, only for it to ricochet against the upright, much to the dismay of the home support in Finn Park who grew in voice, as they yearned for that equalising goal.

A moment of brilliance from Gideon Tetteh ensured that the home support was silenced as his turn and finish into the bottom corner of the net solidified the win for Athlone.

With 15 minutes remaining Harps continued to test the Athlone defence, but to no avail. A much needed and deserved win for Athlone, who will be high on confidence for their visit to the Carlisle Ground to take on Bray Wanderers next Friday.

Team

Matt Connor, German Fuentes Rodriguez, Daniel McKenna, Dylan Hand, Cole Omorehiomwan, Aaron Connolly, Noe Baba, Kailin Barlow, Brian Torre, Gideon Tetteh, Ben Feeney
Substitutes Used: Declan McDaid, Kyle O’Connor, Kyle Robinson, J.R Wilson

Match Report by Jake McLoughlin