ATHLONE TOWN 1 CORK CITY 2
A stoppage time goal from Cork City striker, Aaron Bolger, ensured Athlone Town’s winless start to the season continued as the league leaders maintained prime position on the League of Ireland First Division table.
Athlone Town had taken a sensational lead inside the opening minute to be ahead at half time, but the sending off of Stephen Kenny early in the second half left the Town with a numerical disadvantage.
Cork levelled matters just after the hour mark but Thomas Oluwa then missed the chance to put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot. In the fourth additional minute, Bolger blasted to the net to rescue City.
Athlone made one change to the team that had lost in Waterford as Oluwa started. The striker justified his recall as he launched an early attack down the left. The cross picked out Oisin Duffy whose shot was blocked but the ball was recycled and Oluwa headed home.
Cian Bargary had the first Cork chance while two corner kicks were dealt with by Athlone. Micheal Schlingermann also saved at the second attempt from Bolger with Mark O’Mahony off target for a subdued City. Athlone finished the half the stronger with Kenny having two chances. Noah Van Geenen also sent a back header wide following a corner, while the last chance of the half saw Aaron McBride have a header cleared, also from a corner.
There was an explosive start to the second half when Kenny picked up two yellow cards in quick succession inside the first five minutes. Cork did not take immediate advantage of the extra man but Matt Healy did hit the bar with a shot from the left.
The equaliser arrived after 66 minutes when Healy delivered a free kick from the left which Cian Murphy headed home. Athlone responded and had a great chance to go back in front two minutes later. Oluwa was fouled inside the box and opted to take the resulting penalty kick. David Harrington saved the spot kick as the rebound was blasted over from close range.
Schlingermann denied Healy two more times as City went in search of a winner. Athlone kept trying and were unlucky not to have retaken the lead. Cian Coleman cleared a Duffy shot off the line and a second effort was also cleared.
Athlone lost Schlingermann with a hip injury after 81 minutes with Mark Smith coming on to make his debut. Amazingly, Athlone had one more chance to go back in front with just two minutes remaining, Connolly trying his luck from long range and keeper Harrington was fortunate to push the ball onto the post.
Bolger and Healy were both off target as the game headed into stoppage time. The additional time indicated was five minutes and Cork made the most of this opportunity to claim victory.
Bolger emerged as the match winner in the fourth additional minute. Athlone lost possession in their own half from a throw in and a tired Town midfield could not close down the City number eight who fired a shot to the roof of the net past a helpless Smith.
