An early Jimmy Fullam goal was enough to secure Monaghan United a 1-0 victory over Athlone Town at Century Homes Park – their first home win since April.
Athlone’s Noel McGee missed a golden opportunity to put the visitors in front after only 80 seconds, driving wide with only goalkeeper Tadgh Murphy to beat.
Town were left regretting the miss when Fullam’s accurate low drive from just outside the box sent Monaghan ahead after 13 minutes.
Town appeals for a 17th penalty were contentiously rejected by referee Conor Fitzgerald, who instead booked McGee for diving after a clash for possession with United keeper Tadgh Murphy.
Robbie Smith struck the post for Monaghan as the half ended.
But two Colin Fortune free-kicks brought Athlone close to an equaliser when the match resumed, with Steve Feeney and Eric Lavine only narrowly off-targeted with headed attempts.
United defended with discipline, restricting Athlone to speculative
attempts such as Feeney’s 25-yard drive in the 69th minute that
whistled past the post.
Athlone substitute Brian McCarthy came close with an 84th minute header from a Fortune corner-kick.
In an eventful conclusion to what was always an open, entertaining encounter, Monaghan midfielder Kevin Cronin was dismissed in the 90th minute when he appeared to headbutt Padraig Moran.
Athlone should have snatched a point deep into added time.
Substitute Mark Sherlock beat a tiring Monaghan defence's attempts to play offside, but before he could pull the trigger full-back Michael Kerr managed to get back and execute a marvellous saving tackle.
MONAGHAN UNITED: Murphy; Gannon, Burke, Sargent, Kerr; Finnegan, McCann, Fullam, Cronin; Smith, Smyth.
Subs: Whelan for Sargent, 71. Lee For Smith, 80. Farrell for Smyth, 80.
Subs not used: Heffernan, McQuaid.
ATHLONE TOWN: O’Leary; Rushe, Rossiter, Silke, Williamson; Fortune, Lakatus, Feeney, Moran; Lavine, McGee.
Subs: McCarthy for Rossiter, 48. Sherlock for McGee, 59. Hamm for Lakatos, 70.
Subs not used: Kelly, Forde.
