Sligo steal it at the death

Shelbourne 1 Sligo Rovers 2

Holders Sligo Rovers needed a stoppage time winner as they came from behind to beat Shelbourne, who finished with nine men, at Tolka Park and make the semi-finals of the EA Sports Cup.

David Cassidy had given First Division leaders Shels a deserved 39th minute lead. But Sligo hit back late on with Danny Ventre levelling from Joseph Ndo’s 79th minute corner.

The real drama then arrived in stoppage time when Shels had Kevin Dawson sent off for a second booking and Richie Ryan curled home a delightful free-kick to win the tie.

Shels then had fellow substitute Chris Mulhall also sent off for a foul on Ventre.

Despite missing eight first-teamers, Shels took the game to a near full-strength Sligo and were decent value for their interval lead.

That came on 39mins when Karl Bermingham did well to keep the ball in play.

David Cassidy, John Sullivan and Brendan McGill then all combined for the latter to cross.

Cassidy’s initial shot was parried by Brendan Clarke, but the Shels skipper headed home the rebound.