Sigerson Cup: Kieran Martin goal key for Athlone IT victory against Trinity

Athlone IT 3-10 Trinity College Dublin 0-10

Westmeath's Kieran Martin swooped for the unlikeliest of goals to help secure Athlone IT's place in Round one of the Sigerson Cup.

The experienced county man scored directly from a 45 metre free early in the second-half to effectively kill off Trinity’s challenge.

Roscommon’s Kieran Kilcline was the key forward overall with 1-4 for the midlands outfit, booking them a tough test against UCD next Tuesday.

But Martin’s goal was the lasting memory from a preliminary round tie played in biting cold conditions at the Clann na Gael Fontenoy club grounds in Dublin.

Trinity had thought they’d coped with the danger when goalkeeper Ross O’Hanlon pulled off his fourth great save of the match from a 36th minute penalty.

But from the resulting 45 metre free, Martin’s kick somehow beat the ‘keeper and hit the top corner of the net, pushing Athlone 10 points ahead.

Trinity who were managed by Armagh hero Ciaran McKeever were up against it from early on.

Killian Fitzgerald put Athlone 1-1 to 0-2 up with a well taken ninth minute goal and Kilcline followed his lead just moments later.

It was a superb solo run from Kilcline and left footed strike which moved Athlone IT five up. David Whelan and Jack Donohoe were also on the mark with fine points.

But it was the two goals that separated the teams at half-time with Athlone IT 2-5 to 0-5 ahead.

Trinity managed just two points from open play throughout and relied on the free-taking of Paul McPadden.

The Offaly man shot all of their five second-half points from placed balls. Another Offaly player, key county player Anton Sullivan came on at half-time for Athlone IT following minor knee surgery.

But it was Kilcline who showed his full range of skills in the second-half with three points including one beauty from distance.

Athlone IT: M Langtry; E Kerins, S Flynn, D Farrell; J Donohue (0-1), K Martin (1-0, 45), J Dolan; M Day, C O'Brien; D Wharton, G Egan (0-3, 0-2f), D Whelan (0-1); K Kilcline (1-4, 0-1f), D Queeney, K Fitzgerald (1-1).

Subs: A Sullivan for D Wharton (h/t), J Wharton for Dolan (39, b/c), S Moran for Queeney (43), M Kearney for O'Brien (47, b/c), K Rudden for Donohue (53).

Trinity College: R O'Hanlon; G Deery, M O'Grady, S Mulhern; G O'Donohue, T Daly (0-1), J McPadden; S Byrne, E Keogh (0-1); D Boothman, J Lane, M Regan; J Kavanagh (0-1, 0-1f), B Murray, P McPadden (0-7, 0-7f).

Subs: F Flynn for Boothman (33), S Wogan for Byrne (42, b/c), C MacGearailt for Murray (46), C Ryan for Lane (55).

Referee: D Gough (Meath).