Athlone Town skipper Laurie Ryan named WNL April Player of the Month

The stats don't lie and they paint quite a picture when it comes to Athlone Town's recent form, which has been achieved thanks to the performances from captain Laurie Ryan.

Athlone have won five of their last six games - only a narrow loss to Peamount United spoiling their run - to move up to fourth place in the SSE Airtricity Women's National League.

The victories have been secured due to a massive team effort from Tommy Hewitt's outfit, but there is no denying the influence that midfielder Ryan has had on those games.

The Clare native is winning more duels, making more interceptions and completing more passes than ever before.

Former Clare ladies football captain Ryan said: "I'm delighted to win the SSE Airtricity Women's National League Player of the Month award.

"I was really shocked when I got the phone call. It's a massive achievement for myself, personally, but also for the club. It just shows that we are starting to get some recognition.

"I'm getting to work with a lot of really nice girls and that's key because I might wear the captain's armband but the squad is filled with leaders. There is so many girls stepping up this year which is brilliant to see."

Ryan was selected ahead of Galway WFC midfielder Julie-Ann Russell and Peamount United striker Áine O'Gorman.

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