Limerick and Athlone Share the Spoils in League Encounter

Limerick FC and Athlone Town played out a 1-1 draw at the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday night in the Airtricity League First Division.

Kealen Dillon opened the scoring for Athlone with a great strike before Connor Ellis equalised for the visitors midway through the second half.

Athlone converted their pitch to a 4G Astroturf at the beginning of the season and Terry Butler’s men were certainly the livelier of the two teams in the opening stages. Their style of football bellied their ninth place league position so far.

Athlone created the first chance of the game as a cross from left-back John Morgan was volleyed over the crossbar by centre-back Paddy Kelly. Moments later, Kaleem Simon struck from distance but Jack Brady easily gathered.

The home side hit the front through poor defending by Limerick as Shaun Kelly was dispossessed by Shane Stokes when trying to shepherd the ball out of play and a subsequent Robbie Williams clearance was blocked and fell to the onrushing Kealen Dillon who blasted a well struck effort past Brady.

Dillon tried his luck from distance again and this time saw his shot travel wide of the post, much to the relief of the visitors. The lethargic display in the opening half an hour called manager Tommy Barrett to react and he sprung Colm Walsh-O’Loughlen from the bench in place of Kieran Hanlon.

In truth, the fast pace of the pitch did not suit Hanlon and he struggled to impact the game. As a result Karl O’Sullivan played in support of Ellis from the right as well as Sean McSweeney.

Early in the second half, Athlone had a chance to double their lead as Kelly headed straight at Brady in a great position. Limerick grew into the game from here with Walsh-O’Loughlen having a growing impact.

After creating opening through the lively O’Loughlen’s footwork and pace, the Super Blues equalised when O’Sullivan picked up possession on the half way line and played a perfectly waited through ball to the onrushing Connor Ellis who remained composed and slotted the ball under Aaron Myles following a long run.

A mix up between Myles and Paddy Kelly almost allowed substitute Adam Foley to capitalise and take all three points for Limerick late on.

Right at the death, Athlone had a strong claim for a penalty waved away when Killian Brouder blocked away a Simon shot but it travelled up and hit the hand of the tall centre-back who subsequently fell on the ball. The Athlone bench were infuriated by the decision.

Tommy Barrett will be happy to take a point especially considering the first half display. Limerick remain in sixth position but are now level with Bray who lost to Cobh last night. The Shannonsiders host Galway next Saturday evening due to the Ireland international on Friday night.