Six of the best fire City past Athlone

A hat-trick each from Vinny Sullivan and Tadgh Purcell saw Cork City overcome an early scare against Athlone Town to eventually run out emphatic winners in this FAI Ford Cup second round tie at a balmy Turner’s Cross last night.

Athlone shocked the hosts inside four minutes when centre back Brian McCarthy rose highest at the back post to head home Val Feeney’s inswinging corner.

City were terrible in the opening half hour and Athlone had a couple of great chances to increase their lead when first Joe Woods shot straight at Mark McNulty from 12 yards and then Brian Gill missed a sitter from six yards when he sliced wide from another dangerous Feeney free-kick.