Cobh comeback earns a draw as Athlone let lead slip away
Cobh Ramblers 3 Athlone Town 3
By John Dingle
Athlone Town surrendered a two-goal lead as Cobh Ramblers completed an amazing comeback to salvage a point in this First Division encounter at Turner's Cross in Cork last Friday night.
The visitors led 2-0 at half-time break and, although Cobh reduced the deficit early in the second half, Aaron Connolly’s strike just after the hour mark looked to have sealed victory.
Ramblers though were not about to concede just yet and two goals after the midway point of the half restored parity. In a remarkable conclusion to the contest, Gary Hunt’s men might even have claimed all three points as Athlone failed to close out an encounter they previously looked in control of.
With St Colman’s Park being renovated, the home of Cork City hosted the game in what could have been considered a neutral venue for both teams. Although Cobh had the first chance when Matthew McKevitt headed a free kick wide, Athlone soon settled and proceeded to dominate the half.
After getting off to a winning start a week earlier against Wexford, Athlone were happy to line out with the same eleven. The Town earned two corner kicks inside the first ten minutes with Carl Mujaguzi also firing into the side netting.
Athlone's good start could have been undone midway through the half when Jack Larkin should have done better with an opportunity to score. An initial chance which fell to McKevitt still carried danger and when the ball fell to Larkin, Cobh sensed an opening. His shot was mishit, however, and Enda Minogue made a comfortable save.
On 24 minutes, Athlone took the lead. Jamal Ibrahim delivered a cross from the left and Dean Ebbe, from inside the six yard box, headed past the keeper.
The Town number nine had a chance to double the lead three minutes later but a flick on from Armado Oakley’s right wing cross was saved.
Athlone continued to dominate and, after earning another corner, increased the lead on 33 minutes. Noah Van Geenen showed great skill to take two Cobh defenders out of the game with a neat turn on the left and his cross picked out Dylan Hand, who headed home off the underside of the bar from close range.
Athlone were now in command and seemingly on course for their second straight win of the new league season. Connolly fired over before Minogue was quickly out to deny James O’Leary. Cobh looked to have a major task on their hands when play resumed.
What unfolded in the second half was remarkable as Cobh scored three times to share the spoils after earlier appearing to stare defeat in the face. The home team opted to restart with three at the back, sacrificing a full-back, as Nolan Evers was introduced to carry more threat in midfield.
It had the desired effect as the substitute reduced the deficit just six minutes into the half. Evers met an O’Leary corner and forced the ball home in a crowded six-yard box. More slack defending was to prove costly for Athlone later.
Athlone had a chance to quickly restore their two-goal lead but Mujaguzi fired his shot off the home keeper after 54 minutes. The next goal did fall Athlone's way on 63 minutes. Connolly looked at his options when in possession outside the penalty area and the decision to strike paid off as the ball flew into the roof of the net.
It appeared to be the goal that would seal victory but proved to be the last time Athlone would shine as Cobh now mounted an amazing comeback. It fell just short of yielding a remarkable win.
The home team refused to drop their heads and were back in contention with a second goal after 69 minutes. Athlone were architects of their own downfall as they unnecessarily gave away possession inside their own half. Cobh punished the slackness to press forward and a good move ended with Dale Holland's long range strike along the surface whizzing past Minogue to the net.
The momentum was now with Ramblers and O’Leary fired over with two more corners following for the hosts. Another corner after 77 minutes saw Cobh complete the comeback. Jack Larkin's delivery was not dealt with by the Town defence and David Bosnjak pounced on a weak clearance to shoot home off the upright.
Cobh now went in pursuit of a winner that had looked highly unlikely earlier. There was no response from Dario Castelo’s men in the closing stages as they frantically tried to hold on for a share of the spoils. Any dreams of an away win were shattered as the Town posed no further threat to the hosts.
Ramblers were within the width of the post from winning as Brendan Frahill fired against the woodwork with five minutes remaining. A corner on the stroke of full-time kept up the home pressure while five additional minutes added to the tension in the Town ranks. Athlone held out for a point but will have regrets at allowing a two-goal lead to slip away.
Man of the match: Dale Holland (Cobh). The midfielder's strike sparked the Ramblers' revival, with all the late pressure coming from the home team.
Key moment: Athlone looked vulnerable from set pieces and the concession of a corner kick after 77 minutes was the ideal opportunity for Cobh to grab an equaliser.
Cobh Ramblers: Darragh Burke, Michael McCarthy, Cian Browne, Brendan Frahill, Dean Larkin, Matthew McKevitt, Jack Larkin, James O’Leary, David Bosnjak, Dale Holland, Jason Abbott. Subs: Nolan Evers for McCarthy (half-time); Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh for Bosnjak (79 mins); Pierce Philips for Holland (90).
Athlone Town: Enda Minogue, German Fuentes Rodriguez, Jarlath Jones, Noah Van Geenen, Dan McKenna, Dylan Hand, Aaron Connolly, Dean Ebbe, Carl Mujaguzi, Armado Oakley, Jamal Ibrahim. Subs: Brian Torre for Ibrahim (55 mins); Divine Izekor for Mujaguzi (64); Dylan Gavin and Gideon Tetteh for Rodriguez and Izekor (88).
Referee: Alan Patchell (Dublin).