Shamrock Rovers ... 6 Longford Town ... 1Shamrock Rovers reached the semi-finals of the League Cup with an all too comfortable 6-1 victory over Longford Town at Tolka Park last night when Tony Cousins netted a hat-trick.
All the damage was done in the opening half after which Rovers led 3-0. They were set on their way after 14 minutes as Cousins converted Marc Kenny's free.
Cousins then turned provider for this second in the 38th minute, slipping a through ball in for Noel Hunt who guided his shot under goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien. Best of the lot came a minute before the half-time break when Shane Robinson unleashed an unstoppable 25-yard left-footer.
It did not get much better for the visitors after the break as Cousins went on to compete his hat-trick, heading home his second and Rovers fourth in the 73th minute before converting an 86th minute penalty for his third.
Sandwiched in between centrehalf Terry Palmer had tapped in the fifth, while Longford's consolation came in the final stages from substitute Alan Kirby.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Horgan, Costello, Cronin, Robinson, Palmer, Deans, Tracey, Cousins, Hunt, Kenny, Stewart. Subs: Colwell for Treacy (half-time), Dunne for Stewart (58 mins), Caffrey for Robinson (75 mins).
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Perth, Prunty, Holt, Byrne, Kenny, Molloy, Zellor, Coleman, O'Connor,Gavin. Subs: McCormack for O'Brien (65 mins), Kirby for Prunty (69 mins), Rogers for Coleman (78 mins).
Referee: J Breen (Dublin)
