Four-goal Dundalk advance after easing past Longford

Four goals in 10 minutes midway through the second half saw Dundalk comfortably see off Longford Town at Oriel Park to book their place in the next round of the FAI Cup.

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Stephen O'Donnell’s side took their time to find the breakthrough having dominated from the off, but two goals from Greg Sloggett either side of strikes from Patrick Hoban and Joe Adams saw them run out comfortable and deserving winners.

Gary Cronin’s men did well to frustrate their opponents until the 58th minute but then the floodgates opened with the First Division outfit failing to register a shot throughout.

Having beaten Cronin’s Bray 6-0 in the opening round on the way to Cup glory with St Pat’s last season, O’Donnell will be hoping for a similar omen with the Co Louth side this year.

The home side dominated from the off and could have replicated their dream start from their 3-0 win over Finn Harps the previous week when Steven Bradley slipped Sloggett in but the midfielder pulled his effort to the left and wide.

Hoban then had a series of chances, heading wide from Keith Ward’s cross on 18 minutes before volley over five minutes later after Paul Doyle’s initial effort had been blocked.

Bradley then went close on 27 minutes when he cut in off the right onto his left foot but his attempt at finding the bottom left hand corner was blocked by Mick McDonnell.

Norwegian debutant Runar Hauge, signed on loan from Hibernian on Wednesday, then had a go from range but it was straight at Luke Dennison.

After Ward turned a cross from Hauge agonisingly wide moments later, the American keeper was called into action for just the second time in the 40th minute when he pushed a long range drive from Darragh Leahy away.

The midlanders were left breathing a