Another Golden goal from Donal
Recent signing Donal Golden was the toast of Cobh last night as his late winner sent the Ramblers to the top
of the table in Division 1. Golden, since his move to the club, has scored three goals and his goals have come at a crucial time for Ramblers, none more so than yesterday.
With the game apparently heading for a scoreless draw, Liam O' Connor crossed the ball in to the box. There to meet it superbly on the volley was Golden who, with 15 minutes left, effectively won the game for Cobh.
Despite the fact that Cobh were the better side in this game, their task would have been severely hardened had Athlone scored after just eight minutes. The game was just settling when the ball fell to Warren Parkes. Unfortunately for the Ex-Bohemians player, his shot was well saved by impressive home 'keeper John Donegan.
However, Cobh were on top afterwards. After 34 minutes, Pat Keane ought to have scored for the hosts, while Donal Golden was later denied by outstanding Athlone stopper Gary Connaughton.
Despite the brilliance of Connaughton's performance, his day turned sour with just 8 minutes left on the clock. Town, who were chasing the game, had their hopes all but dashed when Ciaran Dalton raced through only to be felled by Connaughton. Little surprise was evident when Connaughton was duly shown the red card.
Athlone fans hardly sensed a revival afterwards with striker Éamon O' Donoghue deputising between the posts for 'Town. And there was no revival; Cobh now lead the Eircom League Division 1 table on 10 points from a possible 12. For the visitors, their League points total was not bettered. They have just 2 points after this defeat which means that they lie second last.