ATHLONE KEPT UP their unbeaten start to the First Division season but had to rely on a rousing finale to steal all three points from a stunned UCD.
With aspirations of bouncing straight back to the top-flight, the Midlands club have begun the campaign well – a 1-1 draw in Waterford was followed up with a 4-0 demolition of Cobh Ramblers in their last outing.
But at the Belfield Bowl, they found themselves behind after 40 minutes when Conor Cannon netted for the hosts. But early in the second half there was a turning point when Sean Coyne was sent-off and from there the visitors began to get a foothold in the game.
Still, they had to wait until the 82nd minute to equalise when good work down the left side from Gavin Boyne resulted in Philip Gorman popping up in the six-yard box and he made little mistake.
Moments later, Boyne saw a long-range effort saved by Niall Corbet as Athlone laid siege to the UCD goal. After holding out for close to 10 minutes, the home side caved again two minutes into injury time when Derek Doyle headed home.
Elsewhere tonight, goals late in both halves secured victory for Finn Harps as they picked up all three points in Waterford. Damien McNulty grabbed the opener on 44 minutes while Gareth Harkin put the result beyond any doubt by adding a second deep in injury time.
Shelbourne maintained their unbeaten run by overcoming Cabinteely in Stradbrook. Philip Hughes scored from the penalty spot on the half hour and that solitary strike proved the difference between the sides.
