New Ross Celtic sink Freebooters
NEW ROSS Celtic progressed in the FAI Junior Cup after impressively edging past highly-rated Kilkenny Premier Division outfit Freebooters F.C.
Alan Rhodes, Eoghan Cashin and Dylan Egan got the goals for the Wexford representatives.
North End United had a much easier passage to the next round as they overwhelmed Newbridge Hotspurs 9-1.
Adam Beary, Andy Moore and Kyle Dempsey all bagged doubles, while Jason Murphy, Darryl Power and Gary Byrne also got on the scoresheet for the Sky Blues.
Fellow Premier Division outfit Moyne Rangers also had an easy assignment as they went on a scoring spree, beating Eleson United 11-0.
Kamil Kutkiewicz bagged a hat-trick, James Peare, Pa O’Rourke and Peter O’Rourke added doubles, while Ryan Mahon and Rory O’Connor also got in on the act.
Courtown Hibs were another top flight side to progress as they beat Callan United 5-2 with goals from Michael Kinsella (two), Glen Hughes, Leighton Gleeson and Colin O’Brien.
Bridge Rovers got the better of Ashford Rovers by the odd goal in nine after extra-time, with Terry Gainfort (two), Kevin Murphy, Oisín Firman and Colin Redmond getting the goals (see focus match).
Shamrock Rovers needed penalties to see off Kilmore United in an all-Wexford clash, coming out on top 5-4 in the shootout.
James Carty, Ricky Fox and Martin McKeown scored for the Enniscorthy side, with Jeff Kearney (two) and Alan Colgate replying for Kilmore.
Corach Ramblers eventually saw off Hanover Harps 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw, with Philly Murphy, Barry Sinnott and M.J. Doran getting their goals.
Tombrack United outgunned Seaview Wanderers 5-3 in Arklow with goals from Eoin Carton (two), Bob Newe, James Coleman and Richie O’Hara.
There was no joy for Killenagh Wanderers, however, as they lost 2-1 away to Kildare Town.
Elsewhere, Curracloe United lost 4-3 on penalties after a thrilling 5-5 draw with Parkville United, and St. Cormac’s lost 4-1 away to Newtown United.