A Marco Chindea hat-trick ensured Athlone Town finally recorded an SSE Airtricity League First Division win when they defeated Cabinteely at Lissywollen last Friday.
The victory means Alan Mathews’ team climbed off the foot of the table with Chindea’s excellence proving to be the difference. Low on confidence following four losses on the spin, Cabinteely struck a goal courtesy of Shane Boyle in the 15th minute, but Athlone responded. Chindea confidently scored a penalty to restore parity in the 20th minute as the teams departed deadlocked at half-time.
Eight minutes after the restart Chindea pounced for an opportunistic goal which gave Athlone the initiative. Chindea sealed the deal with a similarly smart third goal as the Midlanders earned the full complement of spoils.
Next Friday Athlone are away to Shelbourne, who have won three of their first eight games, at Tolka Park. A similarly energetic performance will be needed from Athlone, who will be hoping to build on the Cabinteely success.
