KILKENNY CITY shot to the top of the division with a 4-1 victory over Athlone Town at Buckley Park yesterday. Four minutes from time, with the scores at 1-1, Kilkenny sprung Pat McCarthy from the bench, and with his first touch of the ball he scored with a blistering drive from 12 yards. Richie Hale added two more goals in the 90th and 92nd minutes.

Kilkenny had hit the front with a 25th minute goal from Paul Cashin. Athlone deservedly drew level in the 77th minute through Michael Collins.

Meanwhile, a disappointing tie at St Colman's Park ended in a goalless draw between Cobb Ramblers and Waterford United.

The match only came to life in the last 10 minutes as both sides abandoned their caution in search of a late winner. Waterford player manager Tommy Lynch was denied by an excellent save from Cobh goalkeeper Michael Devine when he powered in a shot from a 25 yard free kick.

Waterford's Darren Browne put the ball in the net four minutes from time - but the goal was disallowed for offside.