It proved to be a demoralising Saturday evening at St Colman’s Park for Athlone Town suffered a narrow defeat against a rejuvenated Cobh Ramblers.
Since Stephen Henderson returned to the hotseat, Ramblers have improved significantly, and Jonathan Creamer’s opening period goal was enough to earn the locals the full complement of spoils.
Athlone were bright early on, but they were badly caught out in the 27th minute when Creamer’s delicate finish put the visitors under pressure. The Midlanders had been pressing initially, but Shane O’Connor provided the assist for Creamer to score.
Daniel Purdy and Thomas Mulrooney went close for Athlone, while Marco Chindea was then denied in the 77th minute. In the dying seconds Eric Foley dragged an effort wide too as Cobh bravely held on to record an encouraging success.
Now Eddie Wallace’s side face UCD, who are also on 14 points in the table, at Lissywollen on Friday.
With Finn Harps on 21 and Wexford Youths having amassed 18, Athlone and the Students know that a greater level of consistency will be required in the coming weeks.
There have been glimpses of real promise from Athlone, but having suffered three losses in five games, the Town must be resilient during this defining phase in the campaign.
