THERE WERE WINS for Airtricity League Premier Division sides Shamrock Rovers, Drogheda United and Derry City in the FAI Cup third round tonight.
In the early tie, returning striker Tommy Stewart lit up what had been a dull affair at Tallaght Stadium – scoring two goals after being sprung from the bench in the 69th minute.
The 25-year-old was on the field a matter of seconds when he latched onto fellow sub Billy Dennehy’s cut-back after a free-kick was fired to the back post.
Seven minutes later, Stewart unleashed an unbelievable strike to beat Mark McNulty from 20 yards out and seal the Hoops’ safe passage to the quarter-finals.
Bohemians missed two first half penalties but still managed to record a 1-0 win over current FAI Intermediate Cup holders Avondale United.
David Scully and Danny Joyce both wasted their spot-kicks before defender Evan McMillan sealed the victory with a goal in the 43rd minute.
Drogheda United saw off First Division outfit Wexford Youths with a 1-0 win at Hunky Dorys Park – Peter Hynes finding the back of the net for the Louth men.
At Gannon Park, Leinster Senior League representatives Malahide United, who are managed by former LOI player Vinny Perth, went down 4-0 to Dundalk – Gary Shanahan, Mark Griffin, Lorcan Shannon and Bob McKenna were the scorers.
Shelbourne recovered from going a goal behind to Cherry Orchard to claim a 3-2 win at Tolka Park. Mark Hughes had put the Orchard ahead from a penalty but Philly Hughes levelled the terms for Shels when they were awarded a spot-kick of their own after 39 minutes. Hughes added second and winger Conan Byrne wrapped things up eight minutes from time.
The visitors did pull one back before the end and it was that man Mark Hughes once again.
Finally, Derry City earned a 1-0 win away to UCD thanks to David McDaid’s volley on 70 minutes.
FAI Cup third round
- Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Cork City
- Bohemians 1-0 Avondale United
- Drogheda United 1-0 Wexford Youths
- Malahide United 0-4 Dundalk
- UCD 0-1 Derry City
- Shelbourne 3-2 Cherry Orchard
Airtricity League Premier Division
- Sligo Rovers 0-0 St Patrick’s Athletic
