Letterkenny Rovers made their exit from the FAI Senior Cup as Gary Sullivan’s goal 20 minutes from the end proved decisive for CIE Ranch.
CIE Ranch 1 Letterkenny Rovers 0
Rovers had lost out to CIE’s Leinster Senior League colleagues Firhouse Clover two weeks ago in the FAI Intermediate Cup semi-final replay. Rovers’ dreams of a possible date with one of the League of Ireland big guns is over as Sullivan secured CIE Ranch’s path through to the next round.
Sullivan turned home past Rory Kelly on 70 minutes and the Dubliners were able to hold out under strong pressure from Letterkenny.
Steve Okakpu-Emeka drilled against the crossbar as Rovers laid siege to the CIE Ranch area.
Late in the tie, David Shovlin might have been able to level, but the Raphoe man was denied.
Shovlin had gone close in the first half, but he hit the woodwork on that occasion.
It’s back to domestic matters now for Eamonn McConigley’s men.