Turner sends Hoops into cup final in dramatic replay

CHRIS TURNER’S 70th minute winner sent Shamrock Rovers into their first FAI Ford Cup Final since 2002 at the expense of 10-man St Patrick’s Athletic in a tense semi-final replay last night.

Richmond Park was packed to the rafters for an occasion that had clearly re-ignited the FAI Ford Cup fervour in the capital but the behaviour of more than 100 of the visiting supporters who invaded the pitch at the end was unacceptable. The Saints brought in Damien Lynch for Noel Haverty in the only change from the side that snatched a late draw in the initial tie on Sunday but was sent-off nine minutes into the second half and the Saints did not have enough about them to produce another late equaliser after Turner found the net with 20 minutes remaining.

Dave McAllister, who scored in Tallaght 48 hours previously, had the game’s first opportunity in the seventh minute after pouncing on an error by Enda Stevens but Alan Mannus saved his low strike.