Delight as Fairview Rangers advance to next round of FAI Senior Cup with penalty shootout drama

Fairview Rangers of Limerick won their qualifying round game of the FAI Senior Cup with a dramatic win over Athenry at the Fairgreen.

There was history between the sides as Fairview had got the better of the opponents in last seasons’ FAI Junior Cup semi-final.

Fairview started brightly and took the lead in the sixth minute with a strike from Conor Coughlan.

The visitors equalised on the half-hour mark through a delightful team goal rounded off by Cole Connolly against the run of play.

Just as it looked like the sides were going to go in level at 1-1 at the break, Eoin Duff netted for Fairview to regain their lead.

The second half was a cagey affair with Fairview holding onto the lead.

The pressure eventually told for the Galway side with a last minute equaliser

Athenry’s Jamie O’Driscoll bundled an Athenry corner home, and despite protests of a foul on Fairview’s Aaron Savage, the goal stood and the game went to extra-time. 

After extra time, the game eventually went to penalties.

Fairview ran out 4-2 winners in the shootout to join the SSE Airtricity League Premier and First Division sides in the hat for the upcoming first round draw.

The draw will take place live on RTÉ 2FM on Tuesday evening.