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.