Considering the thrilling tales about their FAI Cup triumphs it is strange to think that Shamrock Rovers haven’t won the competition since 1987. Last night at Eamonn Deacy Park the Hoops took their first tentative steps in this year’s instalment dealing with Salthill Devon’s industry to book a place in the third round.
Rovers controlled vast chunks of the opening period, but couldn’t shrug off Salthill’s spirited resistance. Bottom of the First Division Salthill didn’t have the footballers to hurt Rovers, but they had enough grit to keep them honest and worried.
Jason McGuinness had a fifth-minute header taken off the line by Jamie McGlynn following a Seán O’Connor corner. Then in the 20th minute O’Connor’s sharp set piece delivery found Ronan Finn on the edge of the area. Finn unleashed a powerful shot that crept inches over, but Salthill came close themselves.
The match had ticked into the 30th minute when Enda Curran’s crisp free-kick rattled the crossbar. It was a reminder that Salthill were in the contest and they went in at the break on terms. Five minutes after the restart McGuinness was thwarted by the post, but Rovers scored on 62.
Karl Sheppard's inviting cross was headed home by substitute Billy Dennehy and from then on the Hoops were dominant. The insurance goal arrived on 79 minutes . Conor McCormack's deep cross was met by a fierce Dennehy effort.
SALTHILL DEVON: Forde; Gaul, Geraghty (Byrne, 64), Fadden, McGlynn; Tomanica, Enubele, Kelly (Collins, 78), Rodden (Horgan, 64); Harding; Curran.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; McCormack, Oman, McGuinness, Powell; Chambers (Robinson, 40), Rice, Finn; O'Connor, Sheppard (Kilduff, 80), Stewart (Dennehy, 55).
Referee: P McLaughlin.
