ATHLONE TOWN 3 FINN HARPS 1
A second successive three one victory saw Athlone Town go top of the League of Ireland First Division table following a deserved victory over Finn Harps in Lissywollen on Friday night.
Finn Harps enjoyed a half time lead, but the home team responded emphatically in the second period to secure a vital early season win.
Both teams had early chances. Athlone were first in action when debutant Isaie Louis fired wide. It was followed by an even better opportunity when man of the match Jamar Campion-Hinds fired a shot off goalkeeper Tim Heimer. Home keeper Enda Minogue then did well to block a shot from Michael Harris. The Harps number ten was denied again later by Minogue.
The action soon quietened down until the half time break approached, the home team forcing two corners, the second of which saw Donal Curtin shoot over. Aaron Connolly then had a cross from the right collected by Hiemer.
The half looked set to end scoreless but Harps struck when awarded a penalty kick a minute before the break. Daniel Okutwe was fouled by Noah VanGeenen just inside the box. Ryan Rainey sent the resulting spot kick down the middle under the keepers diving body to hand the visitors the lead.
The Harps lead was to last for just four minutes into the second half, Athlone equalising following early pressure. A corner kick was forced inside the first minute with Patrick Hickey then firing over as the home team came out fighting. The Town were level when substitute Oisin Duffy was on hand at the far post to fire a left-wing cross to the roof of the net.
Harps had a chance to go back in front just after the hour mark but Minogue denied Okwute when pushing the ball away. It proved to be a crucial intervention which Athlone built upon. Two corners were exchanged but the outcome of the game still hung in the balance. The earlier miss proved costly for Dave Rogers’ men though when Athlone hit the front after 66 minutes. Harps failed to clear the danger from a corner and Curtin took advantage to score from just inside the penalty area for his first senior goal.
Louis and Hickey both had chances to stretch the lead for Athlone. Harps pressed hard from midfield but did not seriously trouble the Athlone rearguard, a corner on 81 minutes being the last time the visitors threatened. Harps heads dropped and there was only going to be one winner as the game heading towards a conclusion.
The bad night for the Donegal outfit was completed in stoppage time when Campion-Hinds scored from a tight angle via a deflection off a Harps defender, the American striker on target for the second game in a row. Duffy had the last chance for the home team but blasted the ball over the bar as the fourth additional minute then passed.
Another win leaves Athlone at the top of the table on goal difference following a marvellous start to their campaign. Bottom club Wexford FC provide the opposition next Friday at Ferrycarrig Park.
