Gary Connaughton saved a second-half penalty to keep Athlone Town in the second round of the FAI Cup in a fine game at Whitehall last night. Home Farm/Fingal were awarded a 52nd minute penalty after substitute Paul Crowley had been tripped inside the area by Michael Collins. But the imposing Connaughton comfortably parried away Darren Hogan's poorly-struck spot kick.

Athlone, who will host the return fixture at St Mel's Park on Sunday (6 p.m.), dominated in the early stages here.

Home Farm/Fingal settled after the half-hour mark and Thomas McGauley powered a header inches over from Hogan's corner, while Greg Costello made a superb block tackle to deprive Alban Hysa a certain goal on 32 minutes. Seven minutes later Connaughton had to rush off his line to save bravely at the feet of Hysa. The home side maintained the upper hand into the second-half even apart from the penalty win. Defender Paul Whelan had a header cleared off the line by Frawley while Hysa blazed over.

Home Farm/Fingal: Paul Whelan; Paul Whelan, Duggan, McGauley; Kelly, Hogan, Toal, Skelly, Fitzgerald; Parsons, Hysa. Subs: Crowley for McGauley (half-time); Honan for Hysa (82 mins).

Athlone Town: Connaughton; Costello, Frawley, McCormack, Collins; Harte, Kelly, Connolly, Molloy; Mullan, Carberry. Subs: Clarke for Connolly (half-time); O'Driscoll for Carberry (82 mins).

Referee: H Whoriskey (Dublin).