Finn and Robinson put Shamrock Rovers in front

First half goals from Ronan Finn and Shane Robinson earned Shamrock Rovers a 2-0 win at league leaders St. Patrick's Athletic to book their place in the semi-finals of the FAI Ford Cup as both sides finished with ten men at Richmond Park.

Finn put Rovers in front on 16 minutes when getting his head to a Conor Powell cross to beat Brendan Clarke.

Fellow midfielder and captain Robinson added the second goal on 33 minutes, finishing from close range following Ken Oman heading the ball back across goal.

St. Pat's had midfielder Greg Bolger sent off for a second booking on 78 minutes. And he was followed off by Rovers' Pat Sullivan, also for a second yellow card, six minutes later.

Richie Towell capped a master class 45-minute display with a brace as Dundalk trounced hapless Shelbourne 5-1 at Tolka Park.

Having won the previous four games between the sides this season, Dundalk didn’t lack confidence as they were ahead on 13 minutes and five up at the break.

Midfielder Towell was simply magnificent, beginning his night by curling home the opener after working a one-two with John Dillon. Central defender Andy Boyle headed home Darren Meenan’s corner for the second six minutes later before Towell burst through to set up Patrick Hoban to sweep home the third on 33 minutes.

It was 4-0 on 44 minutes with Kurtis Byrne scoring with a daring Beckham-esque chip from the halfway line.

Towell added the fifth a minute later with a bullet header from John Sullivan's right wing cross before retiring at the break having shipped a knock.

Shels had a go in the second half with Lee Murtagh getting their consolation goal five minutes in.

Michael Daly scored late on to earn Drogheda United a replay as they came from behind to force a 1-1 draw with First Division Finn Harps who finished with ten men in Ballybofey.

Veteran striker Kevin McHugh gave Harps a 22nd minute lead when finishing superbly after linking up with Thomas McMonagle.

Harps had left-back Ciaran Coll sent off on 56 minutes following an off the ball clash with David Cassidy.

Drogheda midfielder Cassidy was then involved for the visitors' equaliser on 85 minutes, racing through onto Jason Marks' pass to square the ball for Daly to score and set up a replay at Hunky Dorys Park on Monday night.