Galway United 3 Athlone Town 0
Three second half goals ensured Galway United claimed a record equaling seventh league win in a row at Eamonn Deacy Park.
United's best run since 2006 was achieved courtesy of a smart display after the restart.
Teenager Alex Murphy, David Hurley, and substitute Ronan Manning scored for United, who eventually shrugged off Athlone Town's spirited midlanders'.
Athlone went close twice in the first half with Gary Armstrong and Success Edogun unfortunate, but United dictated the agenda after the restart.
Wilson Waweru struck a 47th minute off the woodwork before John Caulfield's charges hit the front.
Hurley's inviting 53rd minute free kick was headed home by Murphy, who continues to be linked with a move to Newcastle United.
Carlton Ubaezuonu's foul on Stephen Walsh afforded Hurley an opportunity to convert his fifth penalty of the season.
Then in the last minute Conor McCormack's cute free kick found Manning, who gleefully rifled a third for United.
News subsequently filtered through about Cork City drawing with Wexford FC at Turners Cross. The upcoming clash next week between Caulfield's United and City promises to be tasty.
Galway United: Kearns; Hemmings, Portilla, Brouder, Murphy (Lyons, 90 ); Waweru (Dimas, 85 ), McCormack, Hurley (O'Keeffe, 90 ), McCarthy (Lomboto, 85 ); Boylan (Manning, 74 ); Walsh.
Athlone Town: Smith; Duffy (Irhue, 87 ), Van Geenan, McBride (Kelly, 25 ), Ubaezuonu; Oluwa, Connolly, Curtin, Armstrong (Habing, 70 ); Barnes (McCarrick, 70 ); Edogun (Nkansah, 87 ).
Referee: Gavin Colfer.
