Shamrock Rovers 4 Athlone T 0:SHAMROCK ROVERS marched effortlessly into the fourth round of the FAI Cup last night as they put four past First Division Athlone Town in a one sided contest at Tallaght Stadium.

Rovers manager Michael O’Neill gave starting places to young full back Seán Gannon, Jamaican goalkeeper Ryan Thompson and striker Ciaran Kilduff, who has had limited opportunities since his move from UCD over the winter.

For 12 minutes Athlone survived before a cross from the left by Billy Dennehy unlocked the door. Kilduff killed the ball with one touch to present a straightforward opportunity for Gary McCabe who gratefully thrashed home the opening goal.

It took only two minutes for Rovers to extend their lead after the break. McCabe was fouled on the right of the Athlone box and Dennehy delivered a free-kick that Chris Turner headed firmly home.

Although Athlone showed more spirit in the second period they remained under pressure. Chances continued to fall Rovers’ way and on 76 minutes substitute Dean Kelly made it three having drawn out Michael Schlingermann and then finished calmly into the right hand corner of the net. Kelly nearly added a fourth when played through just nine minutes from the end but his delicate clip past the Athlone goalkeeper from 10 yards rolled onto a post and was cleared by Carr.

However, a fourth did come two minutes later when Dennehy took advantage of a collision in the visitors’ box and drilled home unhindered from the edge of the six yard box to round off a deserved and comprehensive win for the home side.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Thompson; Gannon, Murray, Sives (Flynn 79 mins) McCormack; McCabe, O’Donnell (Rice 75 mins), Turner, Dennehy; Kilduff, O’Neill (Kelly 68 mins).

Athlone Town: Schlingermann; Scullion, Carr, Barrett, Danaher; Stack (Gardiner 65 mins), Relihan, Young (Sweeney 54 mins), Tier (Higgins 75 mins), Williamson; Monaghan.

Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).