Bohemians and Waterford are both through to the semi-finals of the FAI Cup with victories at Buckley Park and at St Colmans Park earlier this afternoon.
Bohemians scored a resounding 7-2 victory over Kilkenny City in Buckley Park. Glen Crowe opened the scoring in the second minute but the lead was short-lived with an equaliser from Mick O’Byrne two minutes later. But Bohemians regained the lead with a goal from Gary O’Neill and a penalty strike from Trevor Molloy to lead 3-1 at half time.
In the second half, substitute Brian Jackson put Kilkenny back in contention with a goal in the 51st minute to trail 3-2. But goals from Dave Hill, Glen Crowe, Mark Rutherford and Trevor Molloy gave Bohs a decisive victory.
Meanwhile, Waterford edged a 1-0 victory over Cobh Ramblers at St Colmans Park. Cobh took the lead four minutes after half time when Cobh defender Willie Byrne punched a shot over the cross bar. Byrne was sent off and Alan Kirby executed the penalty and Waterford maintained their lead until the final whistle to secure a semi-final spot.
In the Eircom League Premier Division, UCD retained their premier division status with a 1-0 victory over Derry City at the Brandywell. Derek Swan scored the only goal in the 17th minute when Gary Ramsey blocked Robert McCauley’s close range strike but as he lay on the ground Swan pounced to get the match-winner. Shane Horgan came close to getting an equaliser in the 82nd minute when he beat UCD keeper Gary Ryan, but Kieren Kavanagh blocked the ball on the goal line.
Meanwhile, it ended a 0-0 draw between Bray Wanderers and Finn Harps at the Carlisle Grounds. Bray dominated the play in a game that referee Jim O’Neill brandished seven yellow and two red cards. Damien Bradley produced a fine performance with a number of saves from Jason Byrne and Colm Tresson. In the closing stages Bray failed to take advantage of Finn Harps defender-turned-goalkeeper, Jonathan Minnock, when Wesley Charles was sent off for a second bookable offence after bringing down Fergal Harkin.
In the Eircom League First Division, Monaghan moved into fourth position in the table with a 2-0 win over Limerick FC. Paul Smith scored a first-half goal and Mick Scully scored the second goal mid-way through the second half. Meanwhile Cathal O’Connor scored the winning goal in the fifteenth minute for Home Farm Fingal to beat St Francais 1-0.
