They travel to Louth to take on league leaders Drogheda United next.
A penalty and an own goal in the space of seven second half minutes helped Longford to a 4-0 win at Lissywoolen.
Last year's signing from Cabinteely Rob Manly opened the scoring for the visitors after 10 minutes.
Athlone's best chance of the first half came when Ronan Manning's free-kick was met by the head of central defender Ciaran Grogan, but his flick on hit the crossbar and went out for a goal-kick.
The score remained unchanged until the 69th minute when Sam Verdon doubled Daire Doyle's charges lead from the penalty spot.
Unfortunately for Athlone, half-time substitute Lee Duffy received his second red card of the season in the aftermath of the incident and they were forced to play the last twenty with 10 men.
An own goal from captain Scott Delaney followed on 76 minutes and their night went from bad to worse when they were forced to finish out the game with 9, Evan White forced off through injury.
An stoppage time goal from Karl Chambers meant a convincing end to Athlone's three game unbeaten run.
Their tough stretch of fixtures continues next Friday when they travel to face SSE Airtricity First Division pace setters Drogheda United.
— Athlone Town AFC (@AthloneTownAFC) September 25, 2020
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