Athlone Town 2 Finn Harps 1: IN ONE of the shocks of the round, First Division bottom side Athlone Town dumped Premier Division Finn Harps out of the competition, courtesy of second-half strikes from Colm Jinks and Robbie Hamm.
The locals started brightly and nearly took the lead after 15 minutes when Jason McCartney headed Anthony Hayes's cross off the post. Harps also struck the woodwork during the opening period, Mark Mukendi firing a close-range effort onto the bar five minutes before half-time.
Town went in front two minutes into the second half when Jinks beat goalkeeper Gavin Cullen and Athlone put themselves firmly in the driving seat on 63 minutes when Hamm kept his nerve to slot home.
Michael Funston's strike after 79 minutes ensured a nervous finish for the locals but Athlone Town held on for a thoroughly deserved win.
ATHLONE TOWN: Kelly; Rossiter, Reilly, Sheridan, Keady, Jinks, Hamm (Scullion, 69 mins), Byrne, Lavine (McGee, 83 mins), Hayes, McCartney (Coffey, 66 mins).
FINN HARPS: Cullen; Roddy ( Breen, 66 mins), Holmes, Boyle, Mukendi, Shields, Funston, McGowan (Gill, 87 mins), Parkhouse, Gethins, Brolly.
Referee: R Rogers
