Port Vale prove too strong for experimental Athlone

PORT VALE showed a touch of class when beating Athlone Town soundly, 6-0, in a friendly match at Lissywollen last night (Tuesday).

Athlone manager Roddy Collins put out close to his first-choice starting team for the first half. Athlone managed to play quite well in parts but found themselves 2-0 down by half-time through goals by the former West Brom striker Lee Hughes and Gavin Tomlin.

Roddy Collins made wholesale changes to his side at the break, with far greater emphasis at the moment on continuing Athlone’s promotion push which has gathered serious momentum in recent weeks with four straight league wins in the Airtricity First Division.

Collins used the occasion to look at a number of trialists with the July transfer window open until the end of the month.

Port Vale’s top-scorer from last season, Tom Pope, added a second half hat-trick, while Ben Williamson netted Vale’s other goal.

Athlone now turn their attention to picking up another valuable three league points this Friday when they entertain Cobh Ramblers at Lissywollen (7.45pm). The Town are currently four points adrift of First Division leaders Longford Town with 12 games remaining in the season. Longford face a potentially tricky journey to Donegal this weekend to take on Finn Harps. Athlone will play more English opposition next Tuesday night when host Bradford City at Lissywollen (7.45pm).