Indeed Athlone sprang a tactical surprise before this clash by opting for a traditional 4-4-2 formation.  It had been widely expected that Liam Buckley would favour a 3-5-2 look but circumstances proved otherwise on the night.  New signing from Shelbourne Keith O'Brien slotted in comfortably at left back while Adrian Carberry showed his utility by performing well as Conor Frawley's centre back partner on the night.  Former Athlone favourite, Michael Collins returned to the fold at left of midfield, while Tommy Hewitt was on the opposite side permanent signing, Stuart Connolly partnered Alan Kelly in the middle of the park.  Up front, young Keith Shevlin was playing his last game beside new signing Andy Moylan, who was top scorer in the First Division last season.

TOWN PASS AND CREATE MORE

Despite Brighton's professional status, it was Athlone who created the better chances in the opening ten minutes.  After five minutes, Michael Collins floated in a perfect corner kick from the right but Conor Frawley could not direct his header onto goal under severe pressure from two Brighton defenders.

Four minuted later, Athlone could have been in front.  Keith O'Brien curled a whipping cross in from the left, Keith Shevlin nodded down and Andy Moylan very nearly marked his first game at St. Mel's Park with a goal.  However, Brighton's goalkeeper did enough in the Brighton goal to deny the Athlone hitman a memorable home debut.  Then on fourteen minutes, Gary Connaugton had to be alert in the Town goal to gather down low from a Paul Rogers strike from 23 yards.  Five minutes later, the giant Athlone Keeper was made work again when Paul Brooker tried his luck from 18 yards, Gary Connaughton was more than equal to the best once more.

The only other chance of note in the opening period arrived on 21 minutes.  Following a Brighton free kick in the Athlone half, Town broke up field in the shape of Alan Villy.  The town midfield man seemed certain to pass to Keith Shevlin but he opted to go alone, in the end, his fine run and shot wnet narrowly wide of the Brighton goal.

ALL SQUARE AT THE BREAK

Liam Buckley would, no doubt, be very pleased with his team's first half performance.  They looked like a team intent on playing a passing game and thay showed a will and good attitude which will stand them in good stead for the season ahead.  After the interval the first real chance arrived on the 50^th minute Paul Brooker fouond himself unmarked in the Athlone penalty box, but his low strike was brilliantly diverted around the post by the right leg of Gary Connaughton.  From the resulting corner, the sublime Conor Frawley suffered a head injury which led to him leaving the field, to be replaced by Gordon Brett.  Almost instantly, Brighton came so close to breaking the deadlock.  After good work from legend Alan Cork, Paul Cameron cracked his shot from nine yards against the upright.

However, Athlone half cleared the danger in the shape of a corner kick for the seagulls.  It was a corner which so nearly led to a spectacular goal, Paul Brooker saw his half volley superbly turned away by Gary Connaughton who once again showed his worth to Athlone by pulling off a super save at his near post.  From the resulting corner, Rod Thomas' header had to be hooked clear by the highly impressive Adrian Carberry, who looked at home at the heart of the Town defense all night.  During the next 25 minutes the game witnessed few goal scoring chances.  The home side continued to mix it with the visitors and also gave a chance to the youngsters willing to impress the local crowd.  Highly rated, Damien Rushe was introduced for Stuart Connolly, while Trevor Moylan came on for a battle wary Tommy Hewitt on the right flank in the 82^nd minute.

In the end Brighton found a lucky winner to see off their opponents.  The lively Paul Brooker swung over a hopeful cross from the left in the final minute and Gordon Brett clipped the ball agonisingly into the back of his own net.  It was a psychological to the Athlone team, who at least deseerved a draw against their English visitors on the night.  However, Liam Buckley will be encouraged by his side's performance and when Athlone get their defined shape and pattern they could be a side to be reckoned with in the Eircom First Division this season.