HIGHLIGHTS | Treaty United return to winning ways with Athlone victory

United had been on a terrible run of form, with no wins in the last five, but managed to get three points.

Treaty United finally returned to winning ways last Friday, as Enda Curran and Willie Armshaw found the net to give their side a 2-0 win. United had been on a terrible run of form prior to the midseason break, with no wins in the last five.

The result moves Tommy Barrett’s men to seventh place, and five points off the playoff places, while Athlone slip to fourth, six points ahead of the Shannonsiders. It is the third time to sides have met this year, playing out a 2-2 draw in March before Treaty got all three points in May.

The first goal of the game came in the 20th minute, with home fans roaring for a penalty following an altercation involving Darren Nwankwo in his own area, Treaty quickly countered and Curran scored one of the goals of the season. The Galway native got on the end of a long ball and managed to delicately lob the Athlone keeper from outside the area.

In truth, it was a game of few concrete chances, and it wasn’t until added time that Treaty would find the net again, fleet footed winger Armshaw tapping in from close range. But Barrett won’t care about the performance as his side got the three points that they sorely needed, and now they can steady on for a promotion push.

Bray travel to Markets Field this Friday, in what will be a massive game for the playoffs. The Wicklow outfit sit fifth, five points ahead of Treaty, and beat the Shannonsiders on the opening day, but Barrett’s men got revenge with a 3-0 win in May. It sets the scene perfectly for a must win game for both sides, that really could go either way.

Athlone face Cobh Ramblers next, in another game that will have massive implications on the state of the playoffs come end of season.