Owen Elding strike sends Sligo Rovers into FAI Cup as Bohemians bow out

Sligo Rovers booked their place in the last eight of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Bohemians, thanks to a decisive second-half goal from Owen Elding and an inspired performance between the posts from goalkeeper Sam Sargeant.

Elding’s 53rd-minute strike was the difference in a match full of energy and tension, while Sargeant’s heroics—highlighted by a penalty save early in the second half—ensured the seven-time winners were eliminated. The result prolongs Bohs’ wait for cup glory, which stretches back to 2008.

A Night of Football, Tributes, and High Stakes

With Oasis playing nearby at Croke Park this weekend, Bohemians took to the field in their blue away kit, complete with the band’s logo on the front, as classic tracks from the Britpop legends played over the stadium speakers. Before kickoff, the home side also paid tribute to the late Suleiman al-Obeid, the “Palestinian Pelé,” wearing commemorative shirts during the warm-up.

Sligo, meanwhile, used the occasion to unveil new signing Edwin Agbaje, the 21-year-old defender from Offaly who recently left Ipswich Town. Agbaje was named on the bench but made an immediate debut, coming on in the 52nd minute for right-back Leigh Kavanagh—just moments before the game’s turning point.

First-Half Chances and Defensive Rescues

The opening half was classic cup football—fast-paced, end-to-end, and packed with opportunities. As early as the 14th minute, Bohs captain Keith Buckley miscontrolled a pass, allowing Jad Hakki to break forward, but goalkeeper James Talbot reacted quickly to smother the danger.

At the opposite end, Sargeant denied Conor Parsons with a sharp stop at his near post, before Sebastian Quirk headed a Will Fitzgerald corner inches wide. The visitors came even closer when Paddy McLean’s header from a Ryan O’Kane corner was cleared off the line by Buckley.

Bohs pushed back through Parsons, who curled an effort narrowly wide, and Dayle Rooney, whose powerful drive was spectacularly tipped away one-handed by Sargeant.

Penalty Drama and the Decisive Moment

The second half exploded into life when Paddy McLean fouled Dawson Devoy in the box, giving Bohs the perfect chance to take the lead. But Sargeant guessed correctly, diving to his right to keep Rooney’s penalty out.

Barely a minute later, Sligo delivered the sucker punch. Will Fitzgerald teed up Elding on the edge of the box, and the forward’s left-footed strike flew past Talbot into the bottom corner.

Sargeant’s work was far from done. He produced another superb save when an attempted clearance from teammate Ollie Denham threatened to creep in and later denied substitute Rhys Brennan at his near post.

Bohs’ Late Pressure Falls Short

Bohemians threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Sligo’s defense held firm. As the final whistle blew, the away players celebrated their progression, while boos echoed from the home stands.

The victory puts Sligo Rovers into next week’s quarter-final draw, with momentum on their side and confidence in their ability to grind out results in high-pressure situations.

Bohemian FC: James Talbot; Niall Moraghan, Cian Byrne, Leigh Kavanagh (Liam Smith 54), Jordan Flores; Keith Buckley © (Rhys Brennan 67), Dawson Devoy, Dayle Rooney (Adam McDonnell 67), Ross Tierney, Conor Parsons; Douglas James Taylor (Colm Whelan 74)

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds (Edwin Agbaje 52), Ollie Denham, Paddy McClean, Sean Stewart; Ciaron Harkin, Sebastian Quirk; Ryan O’Kane (Daire Patton 81), Jadi Hakiki (Ronan Manning 81), Will Fitzgerald ©; Owen Elding

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan