5-goal Glenmuir move into quarter-finals of Fitzsimons Cup with victory over Rathkenny

Fitzsimons Cup

Glenmuir FC 5 Rathkenny Rovers 2

Glenmuir FC proved that the magic of the Cup is well and truly alive with victory over Division Two side Rathkenny Rovers at Hoey's Lane on Friday night, a result which moves them into the last-eight of the competition.

Despite their lower league status, Wayne Conroy's men were coming into the match in strong form, despite losing their six-match unbeaten streak away to Donacarney Celtic last week. However, their manager must have feared the worst when the Meath side took the lead in the opening minutes.

Though, undeterred, the Blues took the game to the visitors and levelled on the stroke of half-time as Brendan Sheils dispatched to the net after good play by John Byrne.

This acted as something of a catalyst for Glenmuir in the second-half as Seán Murray put them ahead for the first time, finishing off a wonderful team move, before the same player doubled his side's advantage to make it 3-1.

Glenmuir all but secured their place in the next round on 65-minutes as Byrne got in on the act, finishing smartly from the edge of the area after being set-up by his strike partner, Danny Mullen.

Byrne added his second moments later to make it 5-1 and, while Rathkenny registered a late consolation from the penalty spot, there was to be no denying the hosts progression to the quarter-finals.

Glenmuir FC: John Burlingham; David McComish, Óisín Murray, Niall Hand; Seán Murray, Mark Molloy, David O'Donavan, Eimhin Caldwell, Brendan Shiels; John Byrne, Danny Mullen

Subs: Rory Phelan, Liam Cunningham, Liam McKenny, Ashraf Bin Jamal, Ronan Hand