A dramatic extra-time strike by former Manchester United winger, Eric Molloy, finally settled an absorbing battle at St Mel's Park last night.

It was a goal good enough to settle a Cup final, never mind a second round replay, but it was harsh justice on a brave Home Farm. The ball broke harmlessly to Molloy in the second minute of the second period of extra time but he manufactured a great strike from 40 yards.

Offered at generous odds of 8 to 1, Home Farm seemed determined to prove that the old adage of bookmakers always being right did permit some exceptions.

Having outfought Athlone in the original Cup tie, they were again the better side last night and, but for Athlone goalkeeper Gary Connaughton, who had blocked a penalty in the first meeting, John McDonnell's Home Farm could still be in today's third round draw.

Connaughton raced from his goalline to deny Alban Hysa on 71 minutes after the Kosovar striker had wriggled free of the Athlone defence.

And the giant goalkeeper did equally well on 55 minutes to deny former Athlone player, Richie Parsons after the home defence had again been carved open.

But in a game of few real chances, it was, perhaps fitting that the issued was settled by a piece of mercurial inspiration, courtesy of Molloy.

Athlone Town: Connaughton; Costello, Collins, O'Driscoll, McCormack, Frawley, Kelly, Harte, Devine (Fitzel 82 mins), Carberry (Hewitt 112 mins), Molloy.

Home Farm-Fingal: Paul Whelan; Kelly, Fitzgerald, McGauley, Paul Whelan, Toal (Hogan 33 mins), Crowley, Skelly, Hysa, Parsons (Parsons 66 mins), Duggan.

Referee: H Whoriskey (Dublin).