Mervue United put up a gallant performance against Sligo Rovers but went crashing out of the FAI Cup after last night's first round replay at Terryland Park.

Sligo Rovers, aided by a strong breeze, were the first to make an impact when Marcus Hallows saw his chance go wide after four minutes.

They immediately increased the pressure and from their first corner in the seventh minute from Aled Rowlands, goalkeeper Lally did well to save the in-rushing shot from Hallows.

Sligo continued to press and should have went ahead after 36 minutes when Lee Thew missed an open goal after he had been set up by Rowlands. Mervue's best chance during this period came in the 42nd minute when Alan Joyce glanced the ball just wide.

Mervue, aided by the elements in the second half, came storming into the fray and after 60 minutes Ollie Keogh was unfortunate not to get a penalty when he appeared to be fouled in the area by Peter Cobesson.

However, Sligo broke the hearts of the non-leaguers in the 82nd minute when Rowlands fed Padraig Moran and he side-footed the ball home.

The same duo were involved after 86 minutes when Rowlands once more found the 24-year-old Moran to score his side's second.

Mervue United: Lally, McGrath, Joyce, Burke, Hegarty, Brennan, Fallon, Mortimer, O'Connor, Keogh, Loughnane. Subs: Constello for Brennan 85 mins, Goldby for Fallon 85 mins.

Sligo Rovers: Broujos, Cobesson, Hare, Birks, Hutchison, Hallows, Reid, Thew, Rowlands, Flannery, Moran.

Referee: T Tully (Cork).