Flynn strikes winner

Fairview Rangers notched up a unique hat-trick of victories in the FAI Junior Cup when they prevailed in the replay in Birr yesterday…

Fairview Rangers notched up a unique hat-trick of victories in the FAI Junior Cup when they prevailed in the replay in Birr yesterday. Captain Barry Flynn's extra-time strike won the trophy for the Limerick side in a sometimes torrid encounter marked by two sending-offs and six yellow cards.

Five minutes into the second half, Ballymun goalkeeper David Conway had to be replaced, having earlier shipped a knock. But there were to be more problems for the Dubliners when replacement goalkeeper Chris McElligott got his marching orders for a professional foul.

Fairview began to dominate the match but failed to convert their goal chances. The best opportunity came when Barry Ryan's through ball to Jimmy Sheehan saw the striker roll the ball just wide of the target.

Just on full-time, with the game still scoreless, Ballymun's Paul Staunton was sent off for an off-the-ball incident.

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In extra time, the game looked like going into penalties but following a corner on the left, Sean Lipper's goal-bound shot was met by skipper Flynn, who made no mistake from close in.

Fairview Rangers: O Lynch; S Lipper, M Neary, J Hannon, P Purcell, B Flynn (capt), K McCarthy, J Purcell, J Sheehan, B Ryan, T Lavelle. Subs: G Kelly for B Ryan, E Parker for Lavelle.

Ballymun: D Conroy; K Simpson, C Currie, Martin Kelly, G McCormack(capt), Mark Kelly, C McQuillan, C McElligott, P Staunton, N Ankers, K Coakley. Subs: J Gallagher for Conroy, K Mooney for Simpson.

Referee: J O'Dwyer.