FAI Cup wrap: Athlone Town cause shock with win over Waterford, while Wexford stroll past Ballyfermot United
Action from Ballyfermot v Wexford Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
First Division Athlone Town claimed a thrilling 3-2 win over Premier Division Waterford at the RSC on Friday night.
The Co. Westmeath side have impressed this season and has now added an FAI Cup shock to their bow.
Dario Castelo’s side saw their chances boosted by a red card issued to Darragh Leahy just before the half-time break.
They fell behind moments after gaining a man advantage, with Padraig Amond slotting a penalty into the back of the net.
An own-goal from Robbie McCourt forced extra-time, but Waterford restored their lead in the first half of extra-time with Amond netting again.
However, Athlone made their on-field advantage count, with Aaron Connolly and Peter McGregor - a Jamaican international - turning the game on its head to send the First Division side through.
Meanwhile, Wexford eased past Leinster Senior League side Ballyfermot United 3-0.
James Keddy’s side will now be looking to reach the semi-final stage, having reached the last eight of the FAI Cup.
Cian Curtis scored a brace for the Slaneysiders, with Thomas Oluwa also getting in on the act.
Elsewhere, Treaty United thumped Pike Rovers 7-0 at the Markets Field. A hat-trick from Lee Devitt sent Tommy Barrett’s side on their way through, with a brace from Trpimir Vrljicak adding to the damage.
Robbie Lynch and Enda Curran completed the rout.
There was another thumping for Wilton United as they lost 9-0 away to Drogheda United.
A hat-trick apiece from Douglas-James Taylor and Bridel Bosakani helped the Drogs stroll past their Munster Senior League opposition. Ryan Brennan, Andrew Quinn, and Frantz Pierrot also scored for Kevin Doherty’s troops.
At Turner’s Cross, Cork City were edged out by Derry City 1-0. Sam Todd scored the winner for Ruaidhri Higgins’ side on Leeside.
And at Tolka Park, Shelbourne needed penalties to defeat high-flying Galway United.
The Reds drew 1-1 with the Tribesmen after 120 minutes, after Jimmy Keohane cancelled out Aidan O’Brien’s opener for Damien Duff’s charges.
Shels won the shootout 5-3, with Garry Buckley’s missed effort proving decisive.
