Offaly pair help Athlone Town claim shock FAI Cup win

Offaly duo Jack Reynolds and Scott Delaney (pictured above) were part of the Athlone Town team which claimed a sensational 4-1 victory over Shelbourne in the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup last Saturday.

With Athlone having finished second from bottom in the SSE Airtricity League First Division - just ahead of Wexford on goal difference - few observers expected them to trouble Premier Division outfit Shelbourne.

However, Athlone confounded expectations thanks to a hat-trick from striker Dean George and a goal from Rahan native Delaney, who's also known in Offaly GAA circles as a Shamrocks player.

A member of the Defence Forces, Delaney represented Ireland in the World Military Games in China last year.

George gave Athlone an early lead in last Saturday's game, but Ciaran Kilduff equalised for Shels inside the opening ten minutes. In the 20th minute, Athlone defender Delaney finished the ball to the net after David Brookes delivered a corner into the penalty area.

With the score at 2-1 on the hour mark, Jack Reynolds from Clara took aim with a free kick and was unlucky to see his strike hit off the post with the Shelbourne keeper beaten.

Two more goals from George secured Athlone’s passage to their first FAI Cup semi-final since 1998.

Reynolds, who only recently turned 18, has started several games for Athlone Town this season and has scored three goals.

Athlone will face either Dundalk, the 2019 Premier Division champions, or Bohemians in their upcoming FAI Cup semi-final. Bohs are due to host Dundalk on Saturday, November 14 at Dalymount Park.