The Highlights

The Last Word by BrendanWhite

(first published in the October 2010 Athlone Town match programme)

The end of the season is upon us and it’s always good to have a look back at the year and remember all the good bits. Nobody likes remembering the bad, so we’ll stick with only good bits! This season has been another rollercoaster which has brought many ups and down, but more often than not, it’s been good.

Not too often do teams travel to Turner’s Cross and come away with six points from six. Vinny Sullivan and Alan Carey scored in the 2-0 opening day win before Willie John Kiely struck for a 1-0 win in the second meeting of the sides in Cork.

Tricky neighbours Wexford Youths caused something of an upset as they scored late to best us 1-0 at Ferrycarrig, but two home victories against them quickly erased that memory. Promotion rivals Limerick caused a lot of problems in the opening tie between the sides but we battled hard and won 2-1 in the RSC, with the return leg finishing scoreless in Jackman Park. One of the most important games of the season saw us defeat our Munster rivals for a second time at home with a comprehensive 3-0 win.

Seven points from nine against Finn Harps was also a good return with two home wins and a 1-1 draw away. A 1-0 away win against Salthill Devon was amazingly followed up with an 8-0 home win with Vinny Sullivan grabbing four on the day.

Mervue United, despite battling to stay off the bottom of the table, proved a hard nut to crack in our first meeting, just coming through it with a 3-2 win. The home game resulted in a 3-0 win while we managed to put six past them in the final meeting of the sides in September.

Home fans were also treated to a 9-0 win against Tralee Dynamos in the EA Sports Cup, with George O’Callaghan scoring five goals in the game. Munster Senior Cup success also continued as we beat Midleton 3-1 in the final in the RSC with David Grincell scoring two goals.

Last game of the season sees us take a trip to Tolka Park to face Shelbourne. Having not won in Tolka Park for many years, that feat was accomplished this season as we won 1-0 thanks to a George O’Callaghan goal.

League leaders Derry City tore us apart in the Brandywell but we managed two wins at home against them. We beat the Candystripes 1-0 at the beginning of the season before an excellent performance produced a 2-0 home win at the start of September, with Willie John Kiely scoring both goals.

17 league goals this season have seen Willie John Kiely become a force in the First Division. Having been in the wings somewhat behind Graham Cummins the previous campaign, the Abbeyside striker has shown his striking capabilities as he fights with Cummins this season for the top scorer spot.

A huge positive this season has been our home form. Fifteen league games have been played in the RSC this season, and just two have been defeats, to Monaghan United and Shelbourne. Those 15 games have seen 32 goals scored and incredibly just eight conceded; the best home defensive record in the country.