Athlone cruised to a convincing 3-12 to 0-8 win over Ballymanus in the Leinster Intermediate Club Football Championship at Aughrim on Sunday.
Ballymanus battled throughout, but Athlone finished with a flourish to emerge as comfortable winners. Athlone made a smart start with Ray Connellan particularly prominent, while John Stapleton grabbed a fortuitous goal. Ray Connellan, John Connellan, and Paul Cannon landed points in the closing stages of the first half as Athlone departed at the break armed with a commanding 1-7 to 0-4 lead.
After the restart Ballymanus trimmed the gap to four points with only 20 minutes remaining, but Athlone responded impressively. Jordan Marshment pounced for an opportunistic goal, while the excellent Ray Connellan sealed the deal.
