An 89th minute penalty from Lee Devitt was the difference as Treaty United came out on the right side of a five goal thriller at the Markets Field over Athlone Town.
Goal Scorers
Treaty United: Patrick Ferry (4), Mark Byrne (69), Lee Devitt (89)
Athlone Town: Dean William (45), Jason Oyenuga (60)
There was question marks earlier in the day about the game taking place tonight at the Garryowen venue but all fears were quickly eased when the pitch passed a pitch inspection at 3pm today. There had been significant accumulations of rain in the city and county of Limerick and it did take it’s toll on the pitch at the Markets Field.
It was Athlone Town who started off the brighter of the 2 sides with them having the opening chance of the game and it hitting off the crossbar. 2 minutes later we had our opening goal of the evening.
A Chris Horgan cross was brilliantly chested down by Lee Devitt into the path of Mark Byrne who went on a mazy run before crossing in from the end line to find the head of Patrick “Dixie” Ferry to open the scoring for the Shannonsiders.
Both sides had chances after the goal with Athlone Town again hitting the crossbar. Treaty United did have chances of their own with Eoin Marin and Richkov Boevi going close to doubling Treaty United’s lead. But as we approached the halftime mark disaster struck for Treaty as Athlone Town were awarded a penalty which Dean Williams converted to make it 1-1 going in at the interval.
Second Half
Into the second half and Treaty United were awarded a penalty of their own just passed the 50th minute mark. But Ferry was unable to keep his shot on target and Athlone were able to breathe a huge sigh of relief. Just like the first half Athlone Town were making chances and they got their reward this time around when Jason Oyenuga made it 2-1 for the away side.
The lead only lasted 9 minutes however with Mark Byrne getting Treaty United back on level terms to make it 2-2 with 20 minutes to play.
Both sides pushed looking for a winner, Treaty knowing they needed to all 3 points to keep their playoff hopes alive and they got their chance in the 88th minute when they were awarded a second penalty. This time the captain Lee Devitt stepped up and he made no mistake and slotted it in down the middle.
3-2 was how it finished at the Markets Field, 3 important points for Tommy Barrett and his side with Finn Harps falling to a 3-2 defeat against 10 man Bray.
What’s Next
Treaty United make the trip down to Mounthawk Park next Friday night as they take on Munster rivals Kerry FC.
Athlone Town host Kerry FC on Monday night, while they host Wexford on Friday night
Man Of The Match
I will give it to the captain on the night for Treaty United, Lee Devitt. When they needed a leader to get things going, Devitt was always there played a massive part in the opening goal for Patrick Ferry and slotting away the winning penalty.
Teams
Treaty United: Corey Chambers; Christopher Horgan (Nikodem Kozlowski 85), Eoin Martin, Richkov Boevi (Robbie Lynch 46), Ben Lynch; Lee Devitt, Mark Murphy (Ben Lee 62), Steven Healy (Colin Conroy 62), Karl O’Sullivan; Mark Byrne (Roy Lawlor 76), Patrick Ferry.
Athlone Town: Lee Axworthy Duggan; Oisin Duffy (Adam Lennon 62), Noe Baba, Reece Webb, Dylan Hand; Billy Gilmore, Daniel McKenna (Ben Feeney 82), Aderinsola Abdul-Lateef Adewale; Dean Williams (Martin Scally 82), Gideon Tetteh (Kelende Abdine Jr Thiam 74), Jason Folarin Oyenuga.