2010-009 UCD v Athlone Town

EA Sports Cup – Tues 13th April 2010
UCD 1-0 Athlone Town
C’mon … the title was always going to be a pun on students/exams!!!!
Another game Athlone will rue showing very little up front and while the defence is tightening up nicely it will all be for nothing unless we can start scoring.
Although advancing in the competition, UCD were poor enough and created very little in the line of clear cut chances. The winning goal was dubious too with
Mark Nolan being fouled in the process but the officials turned a blind eye. I had a suspicion that the officials wouldn’t be on our side when, just before kick off, the 4th official made a smart comment to an Athlone official to make sure and not get sent off again. This was a throw back to the League fixture last season when a shout came from the Athlone bench and although the ref didnt actually know who it came from he sent off the person nearest him. League of Ireland refereeing at its best!

Athlones best chance came from an Eoin O’Shea header but the Roscrea man was unfortunate to see his effort crash off the crossbar. Robbie Benson had a couple of pot shots when a through ball was perhaps a better option, while Niall Scullion chanced his arm from distance but all were off target.
Substitutes Noiel McGee, Gareth Kenna and Richie O’Hanlon livened things up but it made no difference in the end as UCD move on to face Shamrock Rovers in the next round.

At least now we can concentrate on the League!

Richie O'Hanlon skips over a challange

Full set HERE