Woods puts Athlone top

Joe Woods’ sublime chip 21 minutes from time sent Athlone Town level at the top of the Airtricity First Division table for 24 hours at least, leaving 10-man Mervue searching for their first point.

Johnny Glynn’s side will wonder how they managed to throw away control of this game, as striker Peter Dravins missed four first-half chances to give Mervue United a well deserved lead.

But Athlone ’keeper Pat Jennings was in inspired form and three times he denied the big striker with fine saves in a scoreless first-half.

And to compound their bad form in front of goal the home side had skipper Mike Elwood red-carded for a clash with Garvan Broughhall three minutes before the break as Woods’ chip from distance sealed the win.

MERVUE UNITED: Forde; Casserly, Elwood, Walsh, Farrell; Hoban (Collins, 76), Lee (Connolly, 90), Kelly, Nkololo; Dravins (Keogh, 57), Molloy.

ATHLONE TOWN: Jennings; Woods, Danaher, McCarthy, Kenny; Coleman, Williamson, Hughes; Broughall (Feeney, 55) (Guerins, 84), McGee, Sherlock.

Referee: Ray Matthews.