ATHLONE TOWN 0 TREATY UNITED 2
John Dingle
Athlone Town’s three game winning streak came to a conclusion in Lissywollen on Friday night as Treaty United claimed the spoils with a two goal victory.
The home team dominated for long periods but could not put away any of the chances they created, United making the most of their limited opportunities. Former Athlone player Enda Curran opened the scoring after 21 minutes while a second goal in stoppage time ended the Town’s unbeaten run.
The game was 15 minutes old before the first chance was created as Dean George fired a long-range strike wide for Treaty. Athlone’s first chance after 21 minutes saw Valerii Dolia’s shot from the left blocked by the United goalkeeper. Frantz Pierrot appeared to have been fouled as Treaty survived the concession of a penalty kick. The resulting action saw the ball then cleared up field and Curran lobbed into the unguarded net over the stranded goalkeeper Enda Minogue.
The visitors seldom threatened after taking the lead as Athlone dominated the remainder of the opening half. Pierrot and Dolia both had chances to grab an equaliser with Patrick Hickey seeing his header saved following a free kick. Treaty’s only other opportunity came when Lee Devitt volleyed over. Further home chances saw Pierrot have a shot on the turn saved with Shane Hallahan also denying Matthew Leal. The first corner kick of the game fell to Athlone in stoppage time.
The second half continued in a similar fashion but Athlone were again unable to unhinge the away rear-guard. Pierrot had the first chance when play resumed but fired over. Treaty then earned their first corner. Two more corners were earned by the Town with Pierrot again frustrated when another opportunity was wasted. The best chance of an equaliser came on the hour mark as Haji Abdikadir cut in from the right but saw his rising shot clip the bar on its way over.
Pierrot had a further chance for Athlone on 64 minutes but again failed to hit the target. The home team went all out for an equaliser in the closing stages in an attempt at salvaging something from the night’s action. Treaty were hanging on as substitute Scott Kirkland lifted the siege when firing over after 72 minutes. Treaty again survived with four minutes remaining as, from a corner, Hickey’s header was cleared off the line.
Two further corners kept up the pressure as Treaty earned their second corner on the stroke of full time. Four additional minutes offered Athlone some hope of snatching a late equaliser., but with the home team pressing forward they left gaps at the back.
Treaty capitalised upon the space afforded to them to score again in the second additional minute. Stephen Christopher attacked on the left. The ball was squared to Willie Armshaw at the far post who made no mistake as he fired his shot high into the roof of the net. Athlone could not even grab a consolation score from the last action of the game, Josh McGlone having the final chance, but from a good scoring position the substitute saw Hallahan save his shot.
