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Liam Buckley's new look Athlone Town team kicked off their Eircom League First Division against fierce rivals, Sligo Rovers last Friday night at St. Mel's Park.
Athlone's re-appointed manager was hoping for a quality beginning to the season and he handed no less than five players their first team debuts for Athlone Town.
Big Gary McCormack, signed from Junior league side Ballymun United came straight in at centre half, partnering Jan Fitzell.
21 year old Keith O'Brien started at left back, while last season's top goalscorer in the First Division, Andy Myler started his hunt for goals in a Town shirt beside Tommy Hewitt in attack.
Former Leeds youngster John Butler was also handed his debut on the right wing after completing his move just 24 hours before kick off. Another new signing, Richie Parsons had to settle for a place on the bench.
However, Athlone had to do without two of their more inspirational figures on the night. Captain, Conor Frawley and Adrian Carberry were both serving suspensions from last season.
Tight start to new season
In the opening exchanges, neither side wanted to give anything away and the game remained tight at both ends of the pitch. A decent game was in store though, with the early signs pointing towards two teams who wanted to pass the ball around.
Athlone's first flirtation with the Sligo goal arrived after 14 minutes. Chris Malone swung over a cross from the right but Sligo's debutant keeper, Danny O'Leary rushed from his line to claim confidently. Sligo's Peter Rogers tried his luck with a 25 yard free kick on 17 minutes but his effort dribbled wide. The Rovers did create a good chance though after 18 minutes. Young right winger, Conor O'Grady latched onto a loose ball inside the box. However, with the ball bouncing up kindly for him, O'Grady dragged his shot wide of Gary Connaughton's goal.
Five minutes later, it was O'Grady who could have scored again. Padraig Moran flicked the ball through to O'Grady but Connaughton got down superbly to his left to palm the ball to safety. It was a timely reminder of the giant goalkeeper's importance to his club. However, the Town created a decent opportunity themselves after 39 minutes.
The returnung Michael Collins floated over a corner from the left and 6 ft 5 inch Gary McCormack rose highest in the penalty area. However, the tall defender's header went just over the crossbar on this occasion.
After 41 minutes, Athlone fans caught a glimpse of new signing , Andy Myler at his best. Tommy Hewitt flicked on a goal kick into the path of Myler. Under pressure from McNamara and 30 yards from goal, Myler unleashed a powerful volley which narrowly flew past the right hand post, with Danny O'Leary grasping at thin air. It was very close for Myler on his home debut.
Second Half-Town Go So Close
Just six minutes into the second period, Athlone Town will feel they should have taken the lead. Stuart Connoly won the ball in midfield and fed Tommy Hewitt with a perfect pass. Hewitt bore down on goal, shot from 18 yards but Danny O'Leary made a terrific stop down low to his left. It was the most clear cut chance of the night, in what proved a tight tactical battle for most of the game.
As the game bore on, Athlone's central defensive partnership of Jan Fitzell and Gary McCormack grew in confidence and looked impressive. Gordon Brett was introduced at left back for a wary Michael Collins on 68 minutes. Pacy striker Stephen Mullan also replaced John Butler after 70 minutes.
Athlone born striker, Padraig Moran, had the best chance of the remaining 20 minutes for Sligo. From 18 yards, he pulled the trigger but dragged his effort disasppointedly wide with plenty of room to get his shot on target.
Athlone held strong though and never really looked like losing the game. A new found resilience was evident and Liam Buckley can be pleasently pleased with his sides first outing. It was important not to start with defeat and against a Sligo side which will compete for promotion, Athlone can look forward to the coming months with real renewed optimism. Buckley's side could just surprise a few people this year. |
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