Following Waterford Crystal's exciting 3-2 victory over Bohemians on Friday night, Ferrybank duly qualified for Round 5 at The Village Grounds on Saturday night in the wind and the rain and this was also a top class encounter.
Richard Gaffney's charges hit Hibernians with a double quickfire whammy during the first half. Ethan Phelan gave the hosts the lead on 34 minutes and three minutes later Meschac Babatu made it two nil. Conor Whittle pulled Hibernians back into the game one minute before the break but two minutes after the change of ends, Ethan Phelan regained Ferrybank's two goal advantage.
Mark O'Keeffe gave Hibs hope once again when he netted on 77 minutes but try as they might they could not score an equaliser. This was the first time Hibernians were beaten in all competitions this season. Ferrybank enjoyed a wonderful run in the FAI Junior Cup last season before they lost narrowly to Mervue United and they will now hope to go even further this season now that they have made it through to the open stage once again. Final score. Ferrybank 3 Hibernians 2.
Carrick United's love affair with the FAI Junior Cup is over for at least another year following their home defeat to the Villa on Sunday. Champions in 2008 when they defeated Killester United in the epic final which was played at the RSC, Carrick have been blowing hot and cold all season and unfortunately for them this was one of their bad days.
They began brightly and it came as no surprise when John Murphy gave them the lead on 7 minutes. Niall McCabe equalised for the Villa after 15 minutes and then it was McCabe who scored what proved to be the winning goal on 78 minutes. Final score. Carrick United 1 Villa 2.
The Tramore v St Joseph's game due to be played in Graun Park on Friday night was postponed due to the torrential rain which fell on Friday afternoon. Local followers will now hope for favourable home draws for Waterford Crystal, Ferrybank, Villa and either Tramore or St Joseph's when the draw for Round 5 takes place this week.
