PIKE Rovers are through to the last four of the FAI Junior Cup following a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat of Regional United in front of a bumper attendance in Mungret.
Eoin Duff fired the home side ahead in the opening minutes, an advantage Seán Russell’s XI retained until an equaliser from Colin Daly on 50 minutes. The remainder of the contest, along with extra time, failed to trouble the scoreboard and thus the quarter-final was decided on penalties.
Pike sent home all of their four spot kicks, and Gary Neville also saved well.
Pike will be at home to competition favourites Cockhill Celtic of Donegal in next month’s semi-final. The other semi will involve Gorey Rangers (Wexford) and Villa FC, Waterford.
The final is fixed for May 5.
In the Premier League, Regional entertain Aisling Annacotty, 8-0 weekend winners at home to Charleville on Saturday (7pm) and the following morning (11am) leaders Pike are home to Coonagh United.
