St Patrick's Athletic 2 Dundalk 0: Having seen their league form derail somewhat in recent weeks, St Patrick's have turned attentions towards an extended cup run and, in the process, attempt to bridge a 45-year gap since their last triumph.
But following Saturday's victory over a gallant Dundalk side, manager John McDonnell has more immediate targets and is now cautiously optimistic his side can defy expectations and secure a European ticket for next season.
"I spoke to lads prior to the game and stressed that a win would put us in the quarter-finals," he said.
"If Derry or Shelbourne were to win the league and then get to the final you'd have a chance at Europe and the Setanta Cup if you were to play them. We're a handful of games from getting there and that was the main focus for Saturday."
Focus, in fact, was paramount to the performance as Dundalk made the hosts work particularly hard for a victory that was, ultimately, still fully deserved with Paul Keegan and Anto Murphy providing the firepower.
Keen, though, to get one over their Premier Division opponents, John Gill's side attacked with relish from the off, ensuring an unsettled start for the hosts.
While the local support may have initially feared the worst, the sizeable travelling contingent would have expected nothing less from a side unbeaten in 10 games and riding high in the First Division.
Both Philip Hughes and Mark Quigley were inspirational for their respective sides, with trickery and cunning to the forefront of their actions. However, both suffered injuries and the dynamics of the game suffered for their loss.
Until his substitution just before the break, Hughes proved a conundrum for the St Patrick's defence. His arsenal was sizeable and whether he was crossing, shooting or simply running at opponents, those facing him struggled.
Similarly, Quigley's slaloming runs down the right left both David Hoey and Paul Marney red faced on occasion and twice goalkeeper Chris Bennion was forced to make smart saves from the young winger.
St Patrick's were certainly more methodical in the approach but, at times, over-killed the passing. Dundalk seized upon one such moment on the half hour and Robert Dunne, via Hoey, headed off the bar from Marney's superb cross.
But despite many valiant attempts - late in the game especially - that was as close to goal as Dundalk came.
As if rubbing their noses in it, St Patrick's then scored eight minutes later. Bennion let Quigley's cross slip through his hands and Keegan was well placed to head home from close range.
Midfielder Sean Finn was key to Dundalk's attempts of restoring parity after the break but despite his graft, the visitors were luckless. Robert McCauley's headed goal on 58 minutes was ruled out for pushing.
Frustrated with referee Damien Hancock's decision, Dundalk let frustration creep into their game thereafter and St Patrick's capitalised in ruthless fashion.
Sean O'Connor's superb 66th minute cross behind the defence was drilled home at the back post by substitute Anto Murphy and McDonnell knew then he was bound for the last eight.
St Patrick's Athletic: Ryan; Brennan, C Foley, Maguire, Rutherford; Quigley, Mulcahy, M Foley, O'Connor; Keegan, Molloy. Subs: Murphy for Quigley (64), Armstrong for Keegan (76), Grogan for Molloy (83). Booked: Mulcahy (5), Murphy (66), Ryan
(70)
Dundalk: Bennion; Flanagan, Lynch, McCauley, Marney; K Dunne, R Dunne, Finn, Hoey; Hughes, Hynes. Subs: O'Connor for Hughes (44), Kearns for Hoey (59), Vaughan for Hynes (71). Booked: Flanagan (34), K Dunne (53), McCauley (57).
Referee: D Hancock (Dublin)
