Athlone Town 2-2 Cork City
ATHLONE TOWN RECORDED a shock draw against title contenders Cork City in Lissywollen tonight. Goals from Darren Dennehy and Mark O’Sullivan were cancelled out from John Mulroy and James O’Brien in the first and second half respectively.
The Rebel Army started the game the brighter of the two sides with O’Sullivan coming close from a header but Coulter was equal to the effort. Cork did, however, find an opening shortly after, with Dan Murray playing a long ball into the area for Darren Dennehy, who slotted the ball sweetly into the bottom corner of the net.
Athlone responded in commendable fashion. Sean Brennan created space in the final third, and his attempt was rebounded to Kealan Dillon, who could only force a save from McNulty. With the break fast approaching, the home side could have been awarded a penalty. Brennan was involved again but swiftly penalized for simulation to the disapproval of his team mates.
With Cork City on the back foot, Athlone pressed for an equalizer and were rewarded for their efforts. Kevin Knight played through John Mulroy, who placed the ball under the oncoming keeper as the teams went in level at half-time.
The second-half resulted in end-to-end action, but fans waited till the 72 minute for another goal. Coulter conceded a shot he’ll want to soon forget, with Gary Buckley’s attempt from outside the box falling for O’Sullivan who easily put the visitors back ahead.
Athlone’s passion could be shown throughout as they looked for a way back into the game, and their never die attitude was on display with super sub James O’Brien levelling proceedings from long range.
The visitors will be disappointed not to have gained three vital points on their push for the title but the underdog still has the bark left in them..
ATLONE TOWN: Coulter, Knight, Prendergast, Byrne, Dillon, Hughes, Gorman, Brennan, Sweeney, Shortall, Mulroy
CORK CITY: McNulty, Dunleavy, D.Dennehy, Morrissey, Healy, O’Flynn (Morrissey 58m), Gaynor (Kearney 58m), Murray, B.Dennehy, O’Sullivan, Buckley