Honours Even On Ramblers Return
Sat 23rd March 2013. Airtricity League Division 1
Athlone Town 1-1 Cobh Ramblers
Just over 3 years after lifting the League of Ireland Division 1 trophy in Lissywollen, Cobh Ramblers made their first return as a senior club to the Midlands as they battled hard to earn a draw against Athlone Town.
Ramblers got the best possible start when they were awarded a penalty inside the opening 15 minutes when Neil Harney was penalised for dragging out of Martin Deady as he ran towards goal. Conor Meade stepped up and sent Paul Skinner the wrong way from the spot to take the lead.
After latching on to Mark Hughes through ball, luck played its part in Ian Sweeneys equaliser as his shot slipped through the hands of Cobh keeper Robert Birdsall and into the net close to the half time break.
With 20 minutes left on the clock Athlone thought they had a grip on all 3 points when Philly Gorman got on the end of Ian Sweeneys pass into the box to fire past Birdsall. With the celebrations still in full swing, the referees attention was drawn to the linesman and 4th official who spotted a handball from Gorman before he had scored. After much deliberation, the goal was disallowed and so the game ended level.