FIRST DIVISION LONGFORD Town have taken a top-flight scalp in the FAI Cup tonight after a 4-2 extra-time win over Sligo Rovers at City Calling Stadium.
The home side took the lead on 26 minutes through Karl Chambers before Sligo rallied before the break.
Daniel Kearns equalised on the half hour and Benny Igiehon put Rovers in front shortly before the interval.
But, it was the hosts who dug deep after the restart and piled on the pressure. Eventually, they forced an equaliser but it came late on as Sam Verdon found the net with seven minutes of normal time remaining.
Still, Sligo very nearly got out of jail but for Longford keeper Jack Brady who tipped Jamie McDonagh’s late, late effort onto the bar.
Peter Hopkins put Longford back in front in extra-time and to compound matters for the visitors, they then had McDonagh sent-off for a second bookable offence.
With Sligo reduced to ten men, Longford turned the screw and Kealan Dillon made it 4-2 ten minutes later to ensure a dramatic victory.
Elsewhere in the Cup tonight, Garbhan Coughlan scored twice for Limerick as they eased past Cobh Ramblers.
Chiedozie Ogbene added a third as the Shannonsiders grabbed all their goals in the first-half to book a place in the next round.
Roddy Collins’ Athlone Town put five past Cork outfit Ballincollig, while there was disappointment for another Leeside team too.
Everton AFC looked to be home and dry against Bangor Celtic after Jason Sexton and Lawrence Fitzpatrick put them 2-0 up.
But, their Crumlin-based hosts conjured three goals in the last 12 minutes to turn the game on its head and secure the win.
There was some good news for Cork sides as John Caulfield’s top-flight champions-elect just about got the better of Bray Wanderers while Cobh Wanderers put three past Killarney Celtic.
Bray Wanderers 0-1 Cork City
Longford Town 4-2 Sligo Rovers (aet)
Cobh Ramblers 0-3 Limerick
Ballincollig 0-5 Athlone Town
Cobh Wanderers 3-0 Killarney Celtic
Bangor Celtic 3-2 Everton AFC
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