Kilkenny City 2-3 Athlone Town

Kilkenny City came from 3-0 down to come close to snatching a draw against a talented Athlone Town side at Buckley Park.

Stephen Gavin punished a woeful Cats defence with goals in the seventh and 21st minutes to put Michael O'Connor's team into a
commanding position.

The visitors were well in control at the break when Ian Rossitter added a third two minutes before the break.

City boss Brendan Rea abandoned his negative 4-5-1 formation at the break and a goal by sub John MacNicholas after 61 minutes narrowed the gap.

Then, a cracking score from close range by Kilkenny's best player, Eoghan O'Shea, had Athlone back pedalling with 20 minutes remaining.

MacNicholas went close again with a diving header from a left wing cross by fellow sub Ted O'Connor, but City had given themselves too big a mountain to climb and they have still not won a home game this season.