Dennehy saves Rovers' skin

Longford Town 1 Shamrock Rovers 2

In-form Billy Dennehy continued where he left off in Monday’s league win over UCD by snatching what proved a winner to put the Cup kings safely into the last eight.

But Michael O’Neill’s Premier Division leaders had to work hard for their win over Tony Cousins’ lowly First Division side.

Rovers snatched the lead against the run of play on 54 minutes when defender Chris Deans headed Gary Twigg’s cross into his own net after a Neale Fenn shot came back off the crossbar.

Dennehy then doubled Rovers lead on 71 minutes when his free-kick squirmed through the hands of Town keeper Aaron Shanahan.

Town got some consolation on 79 minutes. Mark Salmon’s corner was met by midfielder John Lester who headed past Alan Mannus.