Jay O’Shea was the star of the show as Galway United moved into the last eight of the FAI Cup.
In knock out competitions the form book is shredded and these two sides, struggling in their respective Leagues, craved a positive result.
Though hampered by the ineligibility of Alan Murphy and Iarlaith Daveron there still was a reasonable cut to the Galway team whose more liberal sprinkling of talent eventually told.
Athlone’s starting XI was packed with ex-United players ensuring the visitors weren’t short on incentives.
And five minutes in Athlone’s cause was injected with real hope as the midlanders struck for a surprise lead goal.
Joey Maloney’s clever free kick elicited panic in the Galway defence and Robbie Hamm provided the close range finish to guide Athlone ahead.
But as the opening period evolved Galway improved considerably with John Russell offering the drops of invention in midfield.
Out wide Jay O’Shea was prominent too and the ex Bray Wanderer occupied a role with Ciaran Foley in the creation of John Lester’s equaliser on 33 minutes.
Four minutes later Galway hit the front as John Fitzgerald crashed a header past Ciaran Kelly following Russell’s assist.
Athlone required a goal after the interval, but Gary Coffey spurned a gilt edged chance in the 50th minute.
That missed proved costly as Galway extended their lead on the hour mark when Jesper Jorgensen wriggled clear to drill a delightful shot home from the edge of the area.
Fittingly O’Shea sealed the deal with two minutes remaining as Galway concluded with a real flourish.
