Peters Win The Battle Of West Athlone

Sunday 27th February 2011. CCFL Senior Division.
Monksland United 1-2 St. Peters

Despite several changes of venue, and several changes in weather conditions, the battle between Athlones 2 Senior teams from West of the Shannon finally took place in Cushla Park on Sunday afternoon.

Monksland, on home turf, started the brighter with Aidan Reilly placing the ball perfectly past Keith Hynes to put “Da Land” into an early lead. The goal rattled Peters and it took them a while to get themselves back on track but after a number of attacks, Noel McGee capitalised on a slip in concentration to head home a well taken goal.

With the sides level at half time, Peters stepped up a gear but to their credit Monksland battled hard to keep the Hoops at bay. Frustration reared its ugly head with both sides guilty of late tackles and unsporting behavior, with the ref giving frees as and when some players advised him to. (This also led to frustration!)

With the clock running down, McGee found himself through on goal. He spun quickly and unleashed a shot destined for the top corner only for a fantastic reflex save from Oisin Stronge. Monksland had their chances too and could have (and possibly should have) have 2 penalties only for the ref to nervously wave play on. Kevin Murray then came close to nicking a goal for Monksland with a long range shot but Keith Hynes dived to tip the ball around the post with an acrobatic save.

But as the game went on Peters got stronger and again a lapse in concentration saw Brian Caldwell left unmarked in the box and the Peters striker stretched to poke the ball in at the back post to secure all 3 points.

While overall St Peters were probably the stronger site, Monskland can feel aggrieved over the turned down penalty claims which could have changed the result dramatically.

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Conor Jordan tries to get his head out in front, but is met by the boot of Kevin Dunne

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