Athlone Town women's and men's teams flying high

Athlone Town's women's and men's teams both emerged from their most recent fixtures with maximum points - and both are now well-placed at the top end of their respective divisions.

Ciaran Kilduff's Athlone Town women's team defeated DLR Waves by a goal to nil on Saturday, with a super second half finish from Róisín Molloy making the difference in Belfield.

The result means Athlone currently sit on top of the table in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division.

There's a three-point gap between the Town and second-placed Shelbourne, with third-placed Galway United six points behind Shels, albeit with a game in hand.

Athlone memorably won the Women's FAI Cup for the first time last November. While there's still a distance to go between now and the end of the league season, in October, their current form has made them live contenders to pick up a first-ever women's league championship this year.

Two of Athlone's players, Madie Gibson and Roisin Molloy, were featured in this week's SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division team of the week.

The Athlone Town men's team, meanwhile, also had an important win on the road last Thursday, defeating UCD 2-1.

The victory moved the Town ahead of the students, into second spot on the league table, and a step closer to cementing a place in the promotion play-offs.

Athlone players Dean Ebbe and Aaron Connolly, and men’s first team manager Dario Castelo, were featured in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland First Division Team of the Week.

This Friday, Athlone Town's men's team are in action at home against Midlands rivals Longford Town, who are currently bottom of the table. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

The women's team, meanwhile, are on the road again on Saturday, to face Wexford FC (6pm).

In their respective FAI Cup competitions, Athlone Town women have a bye into the second round, while the men's team will play non-league Ringmahon Rangers in the second round in Athlone Town Stadium on Friday week, July 19.