Ebbe penalty gives Athlone Town the edge in playoff

Athlone Town 1 Wexford FC 0

John Dingle

Dean Ebbe fired home a second half penalty kick last night (Thursday) to hand Athlone Town a narrow advantage in the First Division promotion playoff semi-final.

Wexford FC were the visitors for the first leg and, aside from one Aaron Dobbs chance late in the first half, they never looked like taking a lead into the home leg. After a cagey opening half, Athlone dominated after the break and the only goal came from the penalty spot after Gideon Tetteh had been fouled with 52 minutes played.

Wexford had been beaten by Athlone in the opening game of the campaign but were undefeated in the three other games the teams played. A run to the last four of the FAI Cup showed the south east outfit were a formidable outfit. They were the form team heading into the playoffs but showed little of that sparkle in a disappointing night for James Keddy’s men.

The first half contained little action with just once chance falling to Wexford to break the deadlock. With Aaron Connolly ruled out through injury, Noah Van Geenen was handed the opportunity to line out in midfield for the Town and he showed some nice touches.

Leo Gaxha had the first chance when firing a free kick over the bar after five minutes. Darragh Levingston shot over from long range for the visitors, who then earned the first corner kick of the contest after 17 minutes. A further corner was earned but the half still continued at a slow pace.

Van Geenen had a chance as the half progressed but the nearest the game came to a goal arrived after 39 minutes. An Aaron Dobbs shot on the turn from the right was pushed behind at his near post by Town keeper Enda Minogue. Tetteh ended the action in a dull half when firing across the goalmouth in stoppage time.

The second half was much improved and one that Athlone dominated. A second goal would have made the return leg more comfortable ,but the hosts had to be contest with just a single score.

Dan McKenna had the first chance when firing at Wexford keeper Conor Walsh, but Athlone were soon in front after Tetteh was fouled inside the box by Lewis Temple, seven minutes into the half. Having already been booked, the Wexford defender was lucky to remain on the pitch after committing the foul. Ebbe stepped up to take the kick and sent the keeper the wrong way from twelve yards.

Athlone remained on top for much of the half with the only danger from the visitors' coming from a series of corner kicks. Ebbe had a chance to double the lead soon after tucking away the penalty but Walsh was out to avert the danger.

Tetteh fired over from the right just after the hour mark while the sole Wexford highlight saw a corner being earned midway through the half.

Athlone looked more likely to score again but needed better finishing as Gaxha blasted wide. Three corners were earned by the visitors but all were capably dealt with by the Town defence.

Athlone’s only change in personnel came late on when Jamar Campion-Hinds came on for Kyle Robinson. The sub was to have the last opportunity when shooting across the penalty area from the right in the penultimate minute. Moments earlier, Ebbe had headed over Oisin Duffy’s right wing cross as Athlone ended the game on top.

Five additional minutes were played but there was no late drama during this period with Athlone carrying a slender lead into the return at Ferrycarrig Park on Monday (3pm).

Man of the match: Noah Van Geenen (Athlone Town). The Town number four has not enjoyed an extended run in the starting eleven this season, but relished the opportunity presented to him as he fought for supremacy in midfield with Wexford captain Ethan Boyle.

Athlone Town: Enda Minogue, German Fuentes Rodriguez, Dan McKenna, Dylan Hand, Oisin Duffy, Leo Gaxha, Brian Torre, Dean Ebbe, Noah Van Geenen, Kyle Robinson, Gideon Tetteh. Sub used: Jamar Campion-Hinds for Robinson (82 mins).

Wexford FC: Conor Walsh, Darragh Levingston, Ethan Boyle, Divin Isamala, Kian Corbally, Luka Lovic, James Crawford, Sean McHale, Lewis Temple, Aaron Dobbs, Thomas Oluwa. Subs used: Mark Hanratty for Lovic (60 mins); Conor Crowley for Levingston (72); Cian Curtis for Dobbs (79).

Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin).