A goal from Paul Kenny proved sufficient to see Cherry Orchard pass fellow Leinster senior side, Moyle Park College, at Clondalkin yesterday into the third round of the FAI Cup.
A tough encounter in which eight players were booked and one sent off, Kenny's strike after 16 minutes proved disastrous for the home side searching for their first win over Cherry Orchard.
The visitors took control of the game straight from the kickoff and Kenny handed Moyle Park an early warning of his capabilities when he lashed a free kick against the crossbar on four minutes. The Orchard had not too long to wait for the lead goal and when it came it was Kenny who did the damage. A short corner from Stephen Barry released John Luby, who fired a cross low and it was Kenny who managed to get a toe to the ball and turned it past Stephen Geraghty.
The Orchard and Kenny should have had their second goal on 42 minutes but for a last-ditch clearance on the line by Paddy O'Hanlon.
Peter O'Hanlon and Jeff Hunt both went close for College as they woke from their slumber either side of the half-time whistle.
The best chance of the second half fell to Cherry Orchard when they were awarded a penalty kick on 72 minutes when Robert Gallagher brought John McNeill's surging run to a halt inside his own area.
Mark Reid took the responsibility of striking the penalty and duly hit the crossbar before the ball was hacked away to safety.
Robert Galvin added to Moyle Park's woes when he was sent off after 18 minutes following an off-the-ball incident and in the end the Orchard went safely through.
Moyle Park College: Geraghty, Fitzpatrick, A Farrell (Stout 63 mins), Pollard, Gallagher, Philips, Peter O'Hanlon (Harbourne 47 mins), Gallvin, Paddy O'Hanlon, Hunt (Healy 87 mins).
Cherry Orchard: Kennedy, McNeill, Barry, Smith, Harrington, Curley, O'Brien (Horan 87 mins), Tougher (Dunne 82 mins), Kenny, Reid (Christie 75 mins), Luby.
Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).