The concession of just eight goals in 12 competitive fixtures has been the basis for Athlone Town’s positive form renaissance following the appointment of Ciarán Kilduff in June.
Two of the eight goals conceded were to Sunday’s FAI Cup final opponents Shelbourne in Kilduff’s second game in managerial charge, but the addition of Katie Keane as goalkeeper and centre back Jesi Rossman has firmed up the Athlone Town defence as the season has progressed.
A stern test awaits in Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, but becoming a more compact team has allowed Athlone Town to believe. Offensively, the 2022 cup finalists are a continuous threat, the attacking prowess of US duo, Dana Scheriff and Maddie Gibson yielding 21 goals this season to date. The pair have been complemented by the impressive Chloe Singleton who has netted seven times, the trio certain to prove problematic for the Shelbourne defence.
With a brace in Athlone Town’s final league fixture away to Shamrock Rovers on Saturday last, Scheriff has claimed the ‘Golden Boot’ accolade and her achievement will be acknowledged at the 2023 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division awards to take place on Thursday, November 23.
Fellow squad member, Mary Phillips, who made her debut for the senior team in the recent 2-1 league defeat of Wexford Youths, will also be acknowledged at the awards ceremony, the Portlaoise native proudly achieving the EA Sports WU17 LOI Academy Player of the Year accolade.
