CORK CITY HAVE put their league struggles to one side to breeze past Longford Town in the FAI Cup tonight.
A deflected Kevin O’Connor free-kick gave John Caulfield’s side the lead in the first-half, but it wasn’t until striker Sean Maguire scored after the hour mark did the game look safe.
Shortly after Karl Sheppard pounced to make it three but Eddie Dsane pulled one back for the home side before Chiedozie Ogbene got the fourth for Cork and his first senior goal.
It was the first time the Leesiders have won since they beat BK Hacken in the Europa League qualifiers back in July.
Earlier in the day, Cobh Ramblers booked their passage into the last eight of the FAI Cup for the first time in 15 years after they thrashed fellow Cork side Ringmahon Rangers 4-1 at Turner’s Cross.
Ramblers raced into a three goal lead after 26 minutes thanks to goals from Connor Ellis and a double from Shane O’Connor, but Patrick O’Brien pulled one back for the non-league side just before the break.
Rob Lehane added a fourth midway through the second-half for Cobh to end any hope of a Rangers comeback.
UCD became the second First Division side of the day to overcome non-league opposition as they beat Janesboro of Limerick 3-1.
Ryan Swan gave the hosts an early lead with Kieran Marty Waters doubling the students’ advantage but Michael Ryan pulled one back to give Janesboro hope.
However, Liam Scales sealed the win and a quarter-final place after a fine finish in the 78th minute.
The three sides that have progressed tonight will join Wexford Youths, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and St Pat’s in the next round, with either holders Dundalk or Crumlin United completing the octet.
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