Second half goals from Luke O’Regan and Adam Wells saw UCD progress to the last eight of the FAI Cup at the expense of Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

On a frustrating night for the Bit O’Red, the first half offered little in terms of goal scoring chances, while Ed McGinty was largely untested. 

The second half produced more entertainment as both sides fashioned opportunities. 

Will Fitzgerald was inches away from giving Rovers the lead early in the second period when his volley struck the crossbar. While UCD’s Adam Verdon went close with an ambitious effort from inside his own half. 

Rovers sub Owen Elding was denied by a sensational stop from College ‘keeper Dara Kavanagh on 75 minutes, moments before UCD took the lead. O’Regan’s cross took a wicked change of direction, floating over McGinty’s head for the opener. 

While Wells settled the tie eight minutes from time when he tapped home at the far post from a corner. 

Rovers went close through Simon Power and Nando Pijnaker as the home side threw everything at it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as Rovers’ 2024 cup run came to an end. 

The Bit O’Red’s next outing is a crucial league clash away to Drogheda United at Weavers’ Park on Friday August 23rd. 

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; JR Wilson, Ollie Denham (Wilson Waweru HT), Nando Pijnaker, Reece Hutchinson; Niall Morahan, Jack Henry-Francis, Ellis Chapman (Kailin Barlow 83); Stephen Mallon (Owen Elding 59), Will Fitzgerald; Luke Pearce (Simon Power 72). 

UCD: Dara Kavanagh; Luke O’Regan, Niall Holohan (Alex Dunne 98), Eanna Clancy, Harry Curtis (Adam Wells 74); Sam Norval (Sean Brennan 64), Ronan Finn (Colin Bolton 96), Adam Verdon, Stephen Mohan (Hugh Parker 64); Michael Raggett (Donal Higgins 96), Jake Doyle. 

Referee: Damien McGraith

Attendance: 1,862.