'Boro fall to UCD in FAI Cup

JANESBORO’S valiant effort in Belfield wasn't enough to prevent their exit from the FAI Senior Cup - as they fell to a 3-1 third round defeat at the hands of UCD this Saturday evening.

The harsh reality of League of Ireland superiority hit Janesboro as early as the fifth minute when Ryan Swan gained possession on the edge of the Boro box after some neat interplay.

The lively striker took a touch, took aim and found the bottom corner with a low drive - out of reach of John Mulready, who was at full stretch.

Twenty minutes later, that lead was doubled. UCD are known for their excellent brand of football - a lot of that due to Limerick FC boss Martin Russell - and an intricate one-two a the edge of the box set experienced winger Kieran Marty Waters through on the goal. He found the net with the minimum of fuss.

Although the game appeared to be going only one way - Boro struck before half time.

Starting at the right full position, Michael Ryan benefitted from a nice move that even their counterparts would have been proud of. Going one-on-one with Corbet, Ryan smashed into the roof of the net to keep the game alive.

To their credit, Shane O'Hanlon's men kept the Students at bay until the 78th minute. A cross from substitute Daire O'Connor should have been routine for Boro to deal with - but Liam Scales was in the right place at the right time to put the game out of reach of the Limerick junior side.

UCD: Niall Corbet; Mark Langtry, Josh Collins, Maxi Kougoun, Liam Scales; , Gary O'Neil; Kieran Marty Waters, Greg Sloggett (Jack Ryan, 90), Jason McClelland (Jason Byrne, 80); Ryan Swan (Daire O'Connor, 68).

JANESBORO: John Mulready; Lee O'Mara (Robert Lowe, 88), Aiden Hurley, Donie Curtin, Craig McMarlow; Aled Harkin, Steven Bradley; Arron Nunan (Evan Lynch, 87), John Tierney (Adrian Healy, 80), Michael Ryan; Shane Clarke.

Referee: John McLoughlin