MONAGHAN UNITED never looked like causing a cup upset at St Mel's Park last night when Athlone Town booked their place in the last 16 for the first time in three seasons.

Athlone went in front after 19 minutes when man of the match, Dave Collins, headed home through a crowded goal-mouth, following an Adrian Carberuy free kick.

Athlone had dominated much of the opening half, so they were rocked back on their heels two minutes later when Billy Bagster's side equalised. An Athlone defender upended Mark Ennis in the penalty box as the former St Patrick's Athletic player angled for a shot on goal.

Referee Richard O'Hanlon had no hesitation in pointing for a spot kick and Ennis himself took the resultant effort which he struck firmly into the top righthand corner of the Athlone goal.

With Monaghan seemingly content with holding matters at 1-1, the home side had the greater degree of possession but Tommy Gaynor and Warren Parkes both went close before their side regained the lead.

With just six minutes to go in the opening half, Brian Frawley ran on to a high ball, lobbed over the Monaghan defence, and the Athlone youngster slotted the ball past a stranded Brian McKenna.

In a one-sided second half Michael O'Connor's side squandered several chances, while Monaghan had claims of their own for a penalty when Bobby Byrne looked to have been clearly hindered by Conor Frawley, but referee O'Hanlon was not interested on this occasion.