Sheahan rescues a point
ATHLONE TOWN 1 WEXFORD YOUTHS 1
Gary Sheahan, who netted a late equaliser for Wexford Youths against Athlone Town on Friday night.
Wednesday July 28 2010
AN INJURY-time goal from Gary Sheahan helped Wexford Youths to their unbeaten run and consolidate their position in the top six by taking a point away to Athlone Town in their Division 1 game played on Friday night last. Inspired by their thrilling 5-3 victory over Limerick the previous week, Wexford Youths played some attractive football, but missed out on a real opportunity to close the gap on the top five.
Given the way the game eventually panned out, Wexford Youths were satisfied to have taken a point with that late Sheahan strike, as prior to that they had missed out on a couple of real chances against a compact and competitive home side.
Nothing happened for almost a quarter of an hour, with the game becoming somewhat bogged down in midfield.
The home side seemed content to keep the game tight, while Wexford Youths tried to play an expansive game in an effort to repeat their exploits of seven days earlier.
The home side did manage to test Wexford Youths 'keeper Packie Holden on a couple of occasions with fine efforts from Richie O'Hanlon and new midfielder, Den Moran, but on each occasion the 'keeper was equal to the task, dealing competently with both efforts.
At the opposite end Shane Dempsey had a couple of long-range efforts just off target, while both Gary Sheahan and Danny Furlong with their speed and control threatened to get that opening goal to break the deadlock.
Furlong delayed one shot, allowing the home defence to get back and smother his effort, while Sheahan fired another attempt just outside the right-hand post.
Athlone, who included three debutants in their side, eventually broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when new midfielder Denis Moran curled a beautiful free-kick into the top corner of the Wexford net, leaving 'keeper Holden stranded.
A stinging drive from Shane Dempsey from all of 30 metres was just off target as Wexford Youths pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Now in danger of getting nothing from the game, Wexford Youths in their quest for an equaliser were leaving themselves somewhat exposed at the back, but on two occasions when the home side did threaten to increase their lead, Holden proved capable with excellent saves.
When it looked as if the game had gone from them, Wexford Youths' Gary Shehan pounced to head home from eight yards, giving his side a point, maintaining their top three push..
