ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's got back to winning ways on Tuesday evening of this week, when they beat Ballinasloe Town 1 - 0 at a rain-sodden Curragh Grounds in Ballinasloe.

Town took at early lead after Robbie Hamm broke down the right before sending in a good cross. Tomas Lakatos got on the end of it and did well to shoot past the advancing 'keeper.

Lakatos again went close on 35 minutes, forcing the Ballinasloe 'keeper into a save at the expense of a corner kick.

Athlone almost doubled their lead just before the break. Young striker Dave O'Brien had his shoot scooped off the line, after the 'keeper could only get a hand to his powerful shot.

Former Town player Darragh Concannon was given his marching orders ten minutes into the second half after a clash with Robbie Hamm.

Five minutes later and the homeside were down to nine men. Their centre half was given a second yellow card after sliding into a tackle with his studs showing.

However, to their credit Ballinasloe didn't collapse and actually created a number of chances.

On 69 minutes, Lee Gaffey had to pull off a super save after he under-hit a return back pass to Tom Silke. The young 'keeper rushed back into his goal before acrobatically palming the ball wide.

On 76 minutes, Gaffey came out of his goal quickly to deny the Ballinasloe striker before he could get a shot away.

With five minutes remaining, the homeside had their best chance of equalising when they hit the post from a free kick.