Capital delight in FAI Cup

Dublin sides Bohemian FC and Shamrock Rovers FC progressed to the semi finals of the FAI Cup for the third year in succession, after victories against Bray Wanderers AFC and Kilkenny City FC respectively.

Comfortable for Bohemians
Bohemians were comfortable winners away against Bray on Friday night, by an emphatic scoreline of 4-0. Former Bray striker Paul Keegan gave Bohemian the lead on 13 minutes, acrobatically volleying home a cross from Bobby Ryan. Bohemians were well in control, and added a second before half time when prolific striker Glenn Crowe finished from close range after Paul McNally headed the ball into his path. Central defender Paul McNally scored his first goal for the capital side on 65 minutes, firing home a long distance shot to all but seal the tie. Substitute Gary O'Neill, only introduced minutes earlier, added a fourth goal two minutes from time.

Kilkenny test Rovers
Shamrock Rovers endured a more difficult quarter-final encounter, struggling to break down their first division hosts Kilkenny City FC. The first half was tight, with few chances, and it was only in the second half that Rovers looked like a premier division side. Hard work eventually paid off ten minutes from time, when Noel Hunt struck to ensure progression to the semi final for Liam Buckley's side.

Harps held
The other quarter-final tie will go to a replay, after the meeting between Finn Harps FC and Cork City FC ended in a draw. Johnathan Minnock gave home side Harps the lead after 52 minutes with a spectacular strike. However, Harps missed a penalty shortly afterwards, a mistake which was punished after 60 minutes when midfield player George O'Callaghan equalised for Cork. The two sides will replay in Cork later this week for the right to join Bohemians, Rovers and Thursday night winners Derry City FC in the last four.