Wicklow Rovers 15A booked their place in the next round of the National Cup with a deserved 3–1 victory over Ashford in a game where Rovers once again showed their quality at both ends of the pitch.

Rovers started brightly and took the lead after 14 minutes. Some excellent work from Will Carey down the Ashford left created the opportunity, and Casey Brennan was on hand to finish and put Rovers 1–0 ahead.

Carey was at the heart of things again on 24 minutes when he won Rovers a penalty after a Zidane-like turn inside the box left the Ashford defender with little option. Carey dusted himself down and confidently converted from the spot to double Rovers’ advantage.

2–0 at half time.

Ashford came out strongly after the break and pulled a goal back just six minutes into the second half, as a long kick-out caught the Rovers defence out and suddenly made it 2–1.

Rovers responded well, making a number of changes and gradually taking control again. The game was finally put beyond doubt when Matt Gough reacted quickest after a brilliant save from the Ashford goalkeeper saw the ball pushed onto the post. Gough followed up to smash the rebound home and make it 3–1.

Another excellent performance from the Rovers rear guard was key to the victory. The defence has been incredibly solid in recent weeks, and once again they stood firm when Ashford pushed for a way back into the game.

3–1 on the day, and Rovers march into the next round of the National Cup.