Athlone Town moved into second place in the eircom League First Division table following an easy 3-0 victory over league newcomers Wexford Youths at the Athlone Town stadium this afternoon.
The home side dominated throughout but had to wait until 35 minutes had elapsed before breaking the deadlock.
Colm Heffernan's free-kick from midway inside the Wexford half went all the way to the net to open the scoring after the visitors had committed one indiscretion too many for referee Neil Doyle's liking.
Noel McGee should have made it easier in the second half for Athlone. However, after rounding the keeper six minutes from the break, he allowed a Wexford defender get back to clear the ball off the goal line.
Home goalkeeper Danny O'Leary was hardly troubled in the opening half by a shot-shy visiting attack.
Athlone doubled their advantage after 52 minutes when Paul McTiernan’s quickly-taken free-kick set up McGee and he slotted home to the keeper’s left.
John Flynn had a rare chance for Mick Wallace's sides after 74 minutes but was denied by Athlone 'keeper Danny O’Leary.
Wexford finished the game with ten men when they lost their goalkeeper Jason Russell with 10 minutes left to play after suffering an ankle injury.
Having used all their substitutes at that stage, outfield player John Flynn had to undertake the shot-stopping duties for the remaining minutes.
Athlone scored for a third time on 86 minutes when substitute David O’Dowd grabbed his third goal of the season when he finished a Heffernan cross from the right to the net.
This result ends Wexford's unbeaten start to the season and sets Athlone up nicely for a visit to Oriel Park to take on league leaders Dundalk in their next match.
Athlone Town: O'Leary, Rossiter, Young (Casey 59), Frawley, Sheridan, Harty, Gavin (Lavine 70), Byrne, McGee (O’Dowd 70), McTiernan, Heffernan.
Wexford Youths: J Russell, A Russell, Sinnott, Kelly, Brosnan (Bolger 68), O'Loughlin, Elmes (Murphy 58), Flynn, Malone (Fitzpatrick 58), Larkin, Lawlor.
Referee: N Doyle.
