A DELIGHTED Athlone Town manager Tony Mannion yesterday saluted his side for their achievement in extending their unbeaten run to six matches with a win over Cork City at Turner's Cross.

"We have battled hard over the six games and we had to stand up to severe pressure in the second half. We are playing with a fair share of consistency," he said.

Mannion's reaction was somewhat low key in view of the startling improvement in Athlone's form since he took over. There is every possibility now that they will avoid the automatic relegation positions and force themselves into the play off for Premier Division status.

Their win over Cork was never in doubt once they went in front after 36 minutes. The goal came when Cork fullback Darren Shaw turned the ball into his own net while attempting to prevent a cross from Ray McLoughlin reaching Tommy Gaynor.

Cork had enjoyed slightly the better of the game to that point, but they played without inspiration. They depended almost solely on John Caulfied to threaten the Athlone goal.

"We made too many basic defensive errors," said Cork's new manager Dave Barry. "We showed a lot of butt and puff, but too many of our players were not up to scratch."

Cork were short three regulars because of suspensions to Wimbleton, Morley and Flanagan. In the circumstances they struggled and rarely looked like beating a tough Athlone defence.

Athlone secured the points with their second goal after 73 minutes. Substitute Keith Hogan released Michael Collins and he carried the ball confidently for 20 yards before beating goalkeeper Jody Byrne.