Late strike by Jinks earns Athlone a deserved draw in derby clash

A beautifully taken Colm Jinks volley four minutes from time ensured a deserved share of the spoils for Athlone Town against Midlands rivals Longford Town at Flancare Park on Saturday. With time running out for Athlone - who fell behind to a 75th minute strike from former player Shane Harte - Longford failed to properly deal with a set-piece and Jinks volleyed into the bottom corner of the Longford goal from almost 25 yards. Both teams had picked up morale boosting results in the days proceeding the third Midlands derby of the 2008 First Division season, with Athlone coming from two goals behind to draw with league leaders Dundalk, while Longford had beaten League Cup finalists Wexford Youths. However, there was very little to separate these struggling sides on Saturday, with a draw ensuring fourth from bottom Longford remain three points ahead of Athlone with only nine league games remaining. In fairness to both sides, they both did their best to actually win the match and showed a fair amount of endeavour throughout the ninety minutes. However, there was also an obvious lack of quality within both camps, with each side eventually seeming content with a share of the points. Prior to Jinks" late equaliser, Athlone"s best opportunities fell to veteran striker Eric Lavine but he squandered a clear opportunity in each half. Defensive pairing Des Hope and Nigel Keady were probably Athlone"s most solid performers on the night, while Jinks put in another decent shift in the middle of the field. For Longford, lone striker Darren McKenna was a difficult customer to handle, while former Athlone midfielder Damien Rushe also produced a fairly workmanlike performance in Longford"s packed midfield. Athlone are now five points ahead of bottom placed Kildare County (Kildare have a game in hand) before the two sides clash in Newbridge this coming Friday (kick-off: 7.45pm); a game which could go some way to determining which side finishes at the foot of the First Division this season. Athlone stuck with the same side which started the encouraging 2-2 draw with Dundalk, while long-term injury casualty David O"Dowd returned to the squad. Jim Sheridan and Johnny Mernagh were also back in the squad following injury and suspension respectively. Longford, who included four former Athlone players in their line-up, have been through a very difficult period lately, with Aaron Callaghan recently resigning his position as manager. Vinny Perth was in charge of the Longford team for only a second time, while Athlone were seeking a first win for nine games. The best chances of a cagey first half arrived inside the opening six minutes. Firstly, Darren McKenna was afforded too much space in Athlone"s box and his bustling run took him past a couple of poor defensive challenges. Goalkeeper Ciaran Kelly anticipated the danger, though, and bravely dived at McKenna"s feet to make a fine save. A hopeful ball forward by Des Hope then caught Longford"s defence unaware. Eric Lavine latched onto the ball and lifted it over a stranded Neil Gallagher. But Lavine put too much purchase on his effort and the ball went over the crossbar before nestling on the roof of the net. Joey Maloney"s weak volley was easy for Neil Gallagher while Des Hope produced a crucial tackle to deny Jason Oladele a clear run at goal. Hope fouled Darren McKenna just outside the Athlone penalty area but Ian Rossiter did well to clear Stephen Gough"s low delivery. Gough then fired a powerful 25-yard shot well over the bar after Carmine Russo lost possession for Athlone. Proceedings were generally very even at this stage but Longford were managing to create the better half chances. Des Hope"s underhit header almost allowed Jason Oladele get through on goal, but again Ciaran Kelly raced from his line to claim the ball. Longford were forced into a 31st minute substitution when Gary Murphy picked up an injury. He was replaced by Alan Lynch. On 32 minutes, Robbie Hamm"s free kick was almost turned home by Joey Maloney but Longford managed to pack their own penalty area and block his tame effort. The most impressive performer of the opening period was Longford attacker Darren McKenna but he lacked sufficient support from midfield. However, McKenna should have put Longford ahead within two minutes of the restart. Alan O"Riordan crossed from the left but instead of heading home from seven yards, the unmarked McKenna tried to take the ball on his chest, only managing to divert it into the grateful arms of Ciaran Kelly. Jason Oladele then burst into Athlone"s penalty area, leaving Joey Maloney in his wake, but a powerfully struck low cross was well dealt with by Nigel Keady. Robbie Hamm was also defending well and made a good tackle and clearance to deny Alan Lynch. The game"s first yellow card was dished out to Colm Jinks in the 51st minute for a late tackle on ex-Athlone player Luke Hardy. Otherwise, the game lacked a bit of bite for a local derby. Athlone manager Dermot Lennon made his intention to win the game clear when introducing attacker Johnny Mernagh for midfielder Carmine Russo. Mernagh got involved in the action immediately but a low cross into the six-yard box was struck over the bar by a stretching Nigel Keady. Athlone began to experience more joy in the attacking sector, as Noel McGee set up Colm Jinks for a shot which was easily dealt with by Neil Gallagher. The visitors" best chance of the second half fell to Eric Lavine in the 68th minute. Longford left back Alan O"Riordan completely midjudged a cross by Robbie Hamm and Lavine reacted well to the situation, but the former Longford man"s effort went across the face of goal and wide when he really should have converted. More good play by Des Hope saw the Athlone defender deflect a dangerous Darren McKenna shot into the side netting, before Athlone threw on another attacker in the shape of David O"Dowd. But it was Longford who took the lead in the 75th minute. Johnny Mernagh committed a naive foul on Jason Oladele just yards from the left touchline and former Athlone player Shane Harte curled the resulting free kick into the danger area. The ball was missed by everyone - including "keeper Ciaran Kelly - before nestling in the far corner of the net. Athlone were now on the backfoot and Stephen Gough"s 25-yard free kick almost found the top corner in the 77th minute. Ciaran Kelly then made a complete mess of a routine backpass but Des Hope was on hand to bail his keeper out of trouble. Athlone thought they had a penalty when Alan O"Riordan handled Robbie Hamm"s cross - but referee Darren Coombes waved play on. Jason Oladele was booked for a late lunge at Ian Rossiter and Robbie Hamm"s ambitious overhead kick was well over the bar following a flick-on by David O"Dowd. The game seemed to be slipping away from Athlone but they eventually drew level in the 86th minute. Longford could only half clear a corner kick and Colm Jinks volleyed home in style from almost 25 yards. Athlone then almost snatched victory in the dying moments when David O"Dowd went close to diverting a Noel McGee cross past Neil Gallagher - but a draw was the fairest outcome. Longford Town: Neil Gallagher; Stephen Gough; Alan O"Riordan; Stephen Brennan; Daire Doyle; Luke Hardy; Shane Harte; Damien Rushe; Gary Murphy; Darren McKenna; Jason Oladele. Subs: Alan Lynch for Murphy (31 mins); Ken Butler for Oladele (84); Daithi Garry for Lynch (87). Athlone Town: Ciaran Kelly; Ian Rossiter; Robbie Hamm; Des Hope; Nigel Keady; Philip Reilly; Colm Jinks; Carmine Russo; Noel McGee; Eric Lavine; Joey Maloney. Subs: Johnny Mernagh for Russo (56 mins); David O"Dowd for Maloney (71). Referee: Darren Coombes.