Cup specialists Shamrock Rovers progressed through to the third round of the FAI Cup this afternoon, after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cork City at Turner’s Cross.
The home side went behind to a ludicrous own goal by Alan Bennett, with the unfortunate Corkman lobbing his own ‘keeper from 45 yards.
Rovers produced a tight, defensive display that frustrated the home side who piled on the pressure, desperate to undo the damage of their early howler. The visitors held on though, securing a hard-fought place in Thursday’s draw for the next round.
Elsewhere, there was a dramatic finale to today’s south-east derby clash between Kilkenny City and Waterford Utd.
Mark Revins gave City the lead early in the first half, and it was to prove to be the only score until the very end of the game, although there were several other chances at both ends.
But with time running out, Gary Dempsey rifled the ball home after some uncertain Kilkenny defending, and the visitors must have felt certain they had done enough to secure a replay. The goal also served to spark a clash in the centre of the pitch between City’s Philip Hughes and Davy Walsh of United, which led to both men being dismissed.
Deep into injury time however, Kilkenny had the last word, as Peter Rogers headed home just seconds before the final whistle to send the Cats into the next round with a 2-1 victory.
Athlone Town’s miserable season got even worse as they were eliminated by Monaghan Utd 2-1, despite having taken an early lead. Darren McKenna was the hero for Monaghan, netting twice in a man-of-the-match display.
In today’s other matches Cherry Orchard dispatched Garda AFC 2-0, Limerick beat Glebe North 2-1, St. Kevins and Rockmount drew 1-1, Sligo Rovers beat Leeds AFC 2-0 and Cobh Ramblers secured a tight 1-0 victory over CYM Terenure.