FAI Cup preliminary round wrap: Cockhill Celtic win nine-goal thriller against St Mochta's

Cockhill Celtic’s 5-4 win against Leinster Senior League outfit St Mochta’s was the pick of the action in the preliminary round of the FAI Cup on Easter weekend.

The Ulster Senior League side needed extra-time to defeat Mochta’s at home on Saturday after an incredible tie.

Remarkably, the Dubliners took a 2-0 lead before Cockhill roared back into the contest.

Liam Brady and Stephen Donnelly put the Leinster Senior League side ahead before the break.

But a red card for former Cabinteely star Luke McWilliams turned the game on its head in the second half.

Adam McLaughlin halved Cockhill’s deficit shortly after – but Mikey Scott was on hand to restore Mochta’s lead seconds later.

McLaughlin gave the hosts hope again in the 75^th minute when he netted to make it 3-2.

He then grabbed a remarkable hat-trick just before the end of the regulation 90 minutes to force extra-time. And it was there where Cockhill finally took the lead through Garbhan Friel.

Scott, however, struck to almost force a shootout – but Friel struck in the 119^th minute to seal their passage into the next round of the competition.

Meanwhile, Munster Senior League outfit Ringmahon Rangers defeated Killester Donnycarney 1-0 in their cup clash.

Mark Horgan’s goal proved to be the difference between the side’s.

In an all-Dublin clash, Kilbarrack United also sealed their place in the first round with a 5-0 win against Drumcondra.

Goals from Mark Townley, Dwayne McCourt, Ryan Fitzsimons, Kian Cummins and Eamon Mulligan sealed their comprehensive win. Former Shelbourne youngster Alex Cetiner also featured for Kilbarrack.

On Friday night, Portlaoise Town and St Patrick’s CYFC also reached the next round of the competition.

Former League of Ireland stalwart Chris Mulhall grabbed an assist in Portlaoise’s 2-1 win over Usher Celtic.

He did miss a penalty, but Oisin Fitzpatrick’s brace was enough to spare Mulhall’s blushes as the former UCD, Limerick and Longford Town star grabbed an assist.

Jordan Buckley scored for Usher, who will face Bray Wanderers in the Leinster Senior Cup semi-final on Monday the 17^th of April.

St Patrick’s CYFC also romped to a 4-0 win against Willow Park. Jake Gregg, Brandon Kinsella and a brace from Jake Daly sealed their place in the second round.

On Sunday, Skerries Town won 4-0 against Newmarket Celtic. Alan Leonard, Karl Young (x2) and Robert McKenna all netted.

Home Farm were narrowly beaten by Rockmount after a penalty shootout, while St Michael’s from Tipperary defeated Ballynanty Rovers.

Adam McGrath and Rhys Byron both scored for St Michael’s – with Barry Quinn scoring a consolation for Ballynanty.

All eight teams will join the 20 League of Ireland teams in the competition – with Lucan United, Gorey Rangers, Avondale United and Bangor Celtic handed byes to the first round.

Results

St Patrick’s CYFC 4-0 Willow Park

Portlaoise Town 2-1 Usher Celtic

Cockhill Celtic 5-4 St Mochta’s

Kilbarrack United 5-0 Drumcondra

Ringmahon Rangers FC 1-0 Killester Donnycarney

Home Farm FC 0-0 Rockmount (Rockmount win on penalties)

Skerries Town FC 4-0 Newmarket Celtic

St Michael’s 2-1 Ballynanty