First Div: Coughlan hits four as Athlone fall short

Athlone Town fell just short of pulling off an extraordinary comeback against Waterford FC at a surreal encounter at the RSC.

A rampant Ronan Coughlan fired home four goals in a whirlwind first half display, before being called ashore early in the second half.

Shortly afterwards, Athlone scored twice in three minutes, Patrick Hickey heading home after a deflected cross, then Frantz Perriot converting from the penalty spot.

The home side may have begun to panic after Valerii Dolia slotted home the visitors' third on 69 minutes but Keith Long's side held out to secure a fourth successive win.

Having shipped a sobering 9-0 loss in Eamonn Deacy Park, Kerry FC were more competitive against the league leaders Galway United in Mounthawk Park, taking a shock lead through Ryan Kelliher on 40 minutes.

However, they wouldn't be able to hold out until the break, David Hurley sending the sides in level, the Corkonian finding the net on 45 minutes. Stephen Walsh put them in front on 50 minutes, Colm Horgan making it 3-1 before Walsh grabbed his second with 20 minutes remaining.

FIRST DIVISION: T ABLE

It was plain sailing for the westerners from there, running out 4-1 winners. John Caulfield's team have now won 10 from 10 and sit 10 points clear at the top. The league newcomers remain bottom with two points so far.

Finn Harps made it two wins from two against Wexford FC at Ferrycarrig Park, Dave Rogers' team profiting from a late James Crawford own goal to nab the three points.

Elsewhere, Cobh Ramblers and Treaty United played out a 1-1 draw in the Munster derby at St Colman's Park, Jack Conroy's strike in the 2nd minute being cancelled out by Colin Conroy's equaliser 18 minutes later.