Stevens strike sends Rovers through to cup quarter- finals

FINN HARPS 0 SLIGO ROVERS 1 SLIGO Rovers will face Galway United in the quarter- finals of the EA Sports Cup following last week’s 1- 0 win over Finn Harps at Finn Park.

Mathew Stevens’ 115th minute goal was enough to see Rovers through in a game that saw 25 minutes of added time following three bad injuries to Finn Harps players.

Rovers gave senior competitive debuts to John Mahon and Jack Keaney while Paul Doyle started his first game for the Bit O’Red. Declan McIntyre opted for eight changes to the side who lost to Shamrock Rovers three days before.

The game was brought to a halt for almost 30 minutes when Harry Doherty and Packie Mailey collided with Chris Kenny, the latter emerged without injury but both Harps players required lengthy treatment.

Then in the 115th minute, Stevens got on the end of a Daniel Kearns cross, his header flying past Gallagher in the Harps net to give Rovers the victory.

Rovers will host Galway United on Monday at 3pm.

Finn Harps: Harry Doherty ( Ciaran Gallagher 96); Damien McNulty, Packie Mailey, Thomas McMonagle; Michael Funston, Ethan Boyle, Gareth Doherty, Dylan McCroary, Ciaran Coll ( Ciaran Kelly HT); Simon McGlynn, BJ Banda ( Kealan McDermott 28).

Sligo Rovers: Shaun Patton; Tobi Adebayo- Rowling, Kyle McFadden, John Mahon, Paul Doyle; Craig Roddan, Chris Kenny, Jack Keaney; Daniel Kearns, Mathew Stevens, Regan Donelon ( Kieran Sadlier 96).