Wexford
0
Athlone
Town 2
A
brace from teenager Emma Mooney was enough to see the Midlands side cement
their place at the top of the table on Saturday night in Wexford
It
was the home side who started the brighter with two chances coming inside the
opening minutes both were well defended by a resolute Town defense. After this
early scare the Athlone side battled back into it with the front three of Madison Gibson, Kelly Brady and Roisin Molloy starting to look dangerous.
With eight minutes gone on the clock a Gibson cross/shot just evaded Molloy at
the back post. With a quarter of the game gone Molloy had a great chance but
like her winger on the opposite side no one could get the decisive touch on her
cross.
Just
as it looked like Athlone and gained control it was the home side who nearly
took the lead but Megan Plashcko stood strong to keep out a Lauren Kelly
effort. The heat in the southeast seemed to have an effect as both teams found
it difficult to run through the
opposition instead it was great passing and team play that proved pivotal. The
last two chances before the water break both fell to Molloy again but
unfortunately she couldn't press home the advantage leaving the sides level at
the first break.
Once
the tie resumed chances became harder to come by as both management sides
changed tactics which led to a much cagier game. Just as it looked like it
would be level at the break the table toppers created two chances. The first of
which fell to Gibson whose strike was saved before the rebound was cleared off
the line. Just before the halftime whistle Molloy broke down the wind before
finding Mooney who slotted home for her first goal of the season.
After
the interval both defenses seemed to
have their opponents number for the opening fifteen minutes. The Town midfield
started to battle back momentum and eventually created two more strikes on the
Wexford goal. These were ultimately kept out by a strong rearguard action.
The
tie looked like it had then been levelled after the second water break the linesman
had other ideas having the flag up for offside. With both sides making subs in
the last few minutes, this seemed to energize the home side with Ellen Molloy
and then Ciara Rossiter firing in shots in anger, another of which troubled the
goal.
The
decisive goal came with eight minutes left when Mooney found herself in the
right place to acrobatically put the ball past O’ Sullivan.
After
last week's game against Treaty todays along with their own three points and
other results meant it was a great day for Athlone.
Key
Moment/ Talking point I didn’t actually think there were any key moments bar
the two goals. It was a tough Batlle from start to finish.
Talking
Points: None either bar a couple of half penalty shouts.
Player
of the match; Roisin Molloy,
From
the opening minutes Molloy was causing damage. She kept up her energy till she
was substituted with ten minutes to go. She also assisted Mooney with both
goals with some excellent play. With her attacking prowess she made Wexford
play to defenders on her wing to keep her quiet but they couldn't manage to do
it.
Manager
Reaction; After the full time whistle we get the thoughts of victorious manager
Colin Fortune.
Fortune
begins by saying “ it was a great win in tough conditions and he are delighted
with the three points, Wexford is always a tough place to come and they always
give us a battle.”
Fortune
side had a great day after a slip up away to Treaty last week on top of their
win today one of their nearest rivals Shelbourne got beaten 3-1 in the Dublin
Derby. Fortune details how “ he was
happy with that but still adds there is a long way to go in the season.”
Finally
Colin praises goal scorer Emma Mooney. “ Unbelievable that at only 15 years of
age, her second appearance for us keeps an eye on that name. She is definitely
one for the future, her overall display was excellent.”
Wexford:
Maria O’ Sullivan, Orla Conlon, Della Doherty, Lauren Dwyer, Becky Cassin,
Aoife Kelly, Ellen Molloy, Lauren Kelly, Ciara Rossiter, Freya De Mange,
Aisling Roche.
Subs
Used Leah McGrath for Lauren Kelly, Siun Murdiff for Oral Conlon.
Athlone
Town: Megan Plashcko: Kellie Brennan, Katie Shine, Shauna Brennan, Natalie
McNally; Hannah Waeshc,Sarah Rice, Emma Mooney; Roisin Molloy, Madison Gibson,
Kelly Brady.
Subs
Used: Isabelle Ryan for Roisin Molloy (84th minute)
Referee:
Ian O’ Keefe
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