Sligo Rovers progressed to the last four of the FAI Cup for the first time in six years after they cruised past UCD at the Showgrounds. Rovers led by two at the break courtesy of strikes from Ronan Coughlan and a Conor Kearns own goal. The Bit O’Re
Sligo Rovers progressed to the last four of the FAI Cup for the first time in six years after they cruised past UCD at the Showgrounds.
Rovers led by two at the break courtesy of strikes from Ronan Coughlan and a Conor Kearns own goal.
The Bit O’Red controlled the second half, securing their first victory over the Dublin side in this competition with supplementary strikes from Regan Donelon and Niall Watson.
Sligo welcomed back striker Coughlan for this last eight tie and he showed his worth just eight minutes in as Rovers took the lead. The Limerick native taking full advantage of a mix-up between Kearns and Aaron McGrath to fire past the UCD net minder for his 10th of the year.
Sligo had a goal chalked off six minutes later. John Mahon nodded Donelon’s corner to the net, but the referee’s assistant ruled it out as Coughlan was placed in an offside position while stationed on the goal line.
The visitors did enjoy a small first half spell where they looked like they might come back into this tie. Ed McGinty had to go full stretch to deny Richie O’Farrell from the angle. While the same man went close again from a corner 60 seconds later.
Sligo however gradually settled again and doubled their advantage on 33 minutes. Cawley’s close range effort came back off the underside of the crossbar before bouncing off the unfortunate Kearns and to the net.
Rovers looked set for a semi-final appearance 10 minutes into the second period when they hit their third. Harry McEvoy tangled with Romeo Parkes inside the UCD area before Donelon comfortably dispatched the subsequent spot-kick.
Watson had his maiden goal for the club on his second appearance in added time. The beleaguered Kearns unable to keep out the Accrington loanee’s strike from the angle.
