Athlone look to finish job and join European elite
Athlone Town manager Colin Fortune speaks to his players after the UEFA Women's Champions League First Qualifying Round semi-final between Cardiff City and Athlone Town. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Another full house is forecasted for Saturday’s Women’s Champions League showpiece in the Midlands, where Athlone Town are within 90 minutes of mixing it with Europe’s powerhouses (4pm).
Ireland’s title holders did their country proud on Wednesday by ruthlessly disposing of Welsh champions at a packed Lissywollen stadium.
The 4-0 victory was instigated by three first-half goals, fuelling belief the club can overcome ZNK Agram from Croatia in the mini-group final to reach the second round.
Should they maximise home advantage again, they’ll join the likes of Manchester United and Inter Milan in the next round, albeit the Town are on the Champions Path. They will face Icelandic opponents Breidablik if they secure back-to-back wins in the space of four days
New investor Nick Giannotti was an animated presence in the stand on Wednesday and to kick off another possible historic day for the club, the American made himself to fans at a forum in the town beforehand.
While the men’s team floundering at the bottom of the First Division warrant his attention and backing, the women’s wing are flourishing.
Manager Colin Fortune, as someone who’s witnessed the full gamut of emotions being attached to his hometown club, is determined to maintain the feelgood factor.
“I’d never experienced an atmosphere in this stadium like it,” said the former player and manager of the men’s team. “For the people of Athlone, this is massive.
“Our first 45 minutes against Cardiff was our best all year. My worry was that the occasion might get to players but they kept the most clinical performance of the season for the Champions League.”
Croatian, in 30th, are two places ahead of Ireland in Uefa’s club coefficients for leagues. Fortune anticipates that the proximity being reflected on their home pitch.
“ZNK Agram are in the same position as us in this being their first European campaign,” added Fortune.
“We met their delegation at the draw but it was difficult to obtain footage of their matches. What we do know is they operate at the same semi-professional level as ourselves.
“We know they’ll be a step-up, with respect to Cardiff. From what we’ve seen, they’re a formidable side - very technical in their approach – but I think it will be an even match.
“However, If we put in a performance like Wednesday, with some tweaks, it will take a powerful team to beat us.”
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