McEleney scores samba-style winner

The club that has become synonymous with exporting unpolished gems to be Scottish and English sides and it appears they have another star-in-the-making on their books.

McEleney, responding to the challenge given to him by Derry manager Peter Hutton, is producing levels of excellence on a consistent basis these days and it may be only a matter of time before he gets noticed.

Hutton said: "Patrick's free-kick was sensational and the lads were calling him David Luiz afterwards. No goalkeeper in the world could have saved it."

While Mceleney's 20th strike of the campaign was worthy of winning any match, Athlone were unlucky to lose.

Phil Gorman was denied by the woodwork in the first half and Ger Doherty had to be at his best to deny Sean Brennan and Ian Sweeney in the second period.

Stephen Quigley also came close for Town who stay bottom, six points off safety.