Resolute Treaty United battle back to secure share of the spoils with Athlone Town

TOMMY Barrett’s Treaty United secured an entertaining 2-2 draw away to a struggling Athlone Town side in the SSE Airtricity League First Division on Friday evening.

A flurry of goals on either side of halftime saw the spoils shared in Lissywoolen, with both sides likely content to take a point.

Half-time substitutes Brian Cunningham and Patrick Ferry rescued a result for the visitors, who found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening 25 minutes at Athlone Town Stadium.

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Treaty United looked to bounce back from last week’s disappointing 5-1 home FAI Cup defeat to Derry City as they travelled to face Athlone Town.

The Shannonsiders have fond memories of their last visit to Westmeath, where they secured a commanding 5-0 victory back in
February.

The first real chance of the game fell Treaty’s way in the 21st minute. Teenager Scott Murphy and Evan O’Connor combined well to play in Lee Devitt, but the Treaty talisman fired narrowly over from a tight angle.

Just two minutes later, however, Athlone struck on the break. Former Shamrock Rovers man Giddeon Tetteh whipped in a superb cross for Jason Oyenuga, who guided the ball past Corey Chambers with a composed finish.

Things went from bad to worse 90 seconds later. Tetteh turned from provider to scorer, collecting the ball inside the box before ducking, weaving, and slotting his shot through Chambers's legs to double Athlone’s lead.

Dean Williams nearly added a third moments later, flashing a shot just wide of the Treaty goal.

On the half-hour mark, Devitt and Mark Byrne linked up nicely, with Byrne drawing a fine save from Lee Axworthy. The resulting inswinging corner almost found its way into the net, but Oyenuga was on hand to clear off the line.

Two minutes later, Ben Feeney rose highest to meet a Billy Gilmour cross, forcing a diving stop from Chambers. Feeney had the final chance of the half too, but this time he fired straight at the Treaty keeper.

Fifteen minutes after the restart, Treaty halved the deficit through substitute Brian Cunningham. The lively forward produced a brilliant solo run, dribbling through the Athlone defence before toe-poking home from close range.

Seconds later, the Limerick-based side drew level. New signing Patrick Ferry latched onto a low Colin Conroy cross and coolly slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-2.

With 15 minutes to play, Oyenuga almost restored Athlone’s lead, but Chambers was equal to it with a strong dive to his right. Five minutes later, the Treaty goalkeeper was nearly caught out after misjudging a lofted ball forward, but Evan O’Connor came to the rescue with a crucial clearance to ensure the game ended all square.

Next up for Tommy Barrett’s men is a trip to Bray next weekend for a crucial First Division fixture. Meanwhile, the Midlanders
will travel to Tralee to take on Kerry.

Athlone Town: Lee Axworthy, Reece Webb, Dylan Hand, Cole Omorehiomwan (Eoin Sheeran 72), Kyle O’Connor, Junior Thiam (Derinsola Adewale 71), Ben Feeney, Billy Gilmore, Gideon Tetteh (Aaron Lennon 88), Dean Williams (Martin Scally 62), Jason Oyenuga.

Treaty United: Corey Chambers, Ben Lynch, Robbie Lynch, Eoin Martin (Richkov Boevi 80), Evan O’Connor, Steven Healy (Ben Cunningham 45), Lee Devitt, Colin Conroy, Mark Byrne (Fionn Doherty 80), Connor Wilson (Lee Lynch 45), Scott Murphy (Patrick Ferry 45).

Referee: Glen Geraghty.