Sligo Rovers 3 - 0 Monaghan United

• David Goulden
• Sun, Sep 19 2010


Sligo Rovers progressed to the semi finals of this year’s Ford FAI Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win over First Division leaders Monaghan United. Goals from Alan Keane from the penalty spot, Romauld Boco and Mark McGoldrick's first goal for the North-Westerners saw off a Monaghan team who never really got into their stride. Rovers were missing winger Gary McCabe due to suspension while Monaghan had Paul Whelan cup tied due to his participation in this year’s tournament with Sligo.

Rovers knocked on the Monaghan door in the opening stages but had to wait till the 24th minute before they took the lead. John Russell's cross from the left was met by Conor McMahon's hand in the away side's penalty area as he attempted to deal with the incoming threat of Eoin Doyle. Referee Padraig Sutton had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The gulf between the Premier and First Divisions began to show as Sligo easily dealt with any Monaghan threat, and Sligo could have been two up nine minutes later. John Russell, who was finding space behind the away midfield crossed for Matthew Blinkhorn, only for Monaghan keeper Gabriel Sava to react well at his front post to deny the Blackpool native.

Eoin Doyle put his shot from outside the box narrowly wide after beating three defenders at the edge of the away side’s penalty area just before half time, as Monaghan looked to keep within reach of their opponents. Mick Cooke introduced Karl Bermingham at half time to try and dig his team out, but it only took 30 seconds for Rovers to double their lead. Monaghan defender Aidan Collins failed to deal with Richie Ryan's searching cross, before the ball ended up with Joseph Ndo who found Romuald Boco at the back post. The Benin international controlled the ball and calmly slotted it past Sava to heap the pressure on the away side.

Monaghan were forced to go in search of goals and attempts from Barry Clancy and dangerman Phillip Hughes were dealt with by Sligo keeper Ciaran Kelly. Sligo were controlling the game but needed the security of a third goal. This came with the final attack of the game as Mark McGoldrick, making only his third senior appearance for the club caught the ball in mid-air and lobbed in over Sava to give him his first senior goal for the club.

Sligo Rovers: 1 Ciaran Kelly; 2 Alan Keane, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 4 Gavin Peers, 3 Iarfhlaith Davoren; 15 Joseph Ndo, 6 Richie Ryan, 8 John Russell (5 Danny Ventre 82), 11 Eoin Doyle (7 John Dillon 90); 18 Romuald Boco, 9 Matthew Blinkhorn (17 Mark McGoldrick 89).
Subs not used: 12 Conor O'Grady, 14 Nelson Vieira, 16 Derek Foran, 19 John Gibson.
Booked: Doyle (32).

Monaghan United: 1 Gabriel Sava; 2 Aidan Collins, 4 Conor McMahon, 5 Brian Gartland, 3 Shane Grimes; 7 Cathal O'Connor (12 Karl Bermingham HT), 6 Don Tierney (17 Aidan Lynch 66), 8 Alan Byrne, 11 Barry Clancy, 9 Sean Brennan; 10 Philip Hughes (14 Darragh Hanaphy 83).
Subs not used: 13 Anthony Costigan, 15 Stephen McCrossan, 16 David Quirke, 18 Darren Coleman.
Booked: McMahon (41), Byrne (53), Gartland (74).

Referee: Padraig Sutton (Clare).
Attendance: 2,000 (est)
extratime.ie Man of the Match: Sligo Rovers' John Russell