An early goal from Alan Kelly gave Athlone the platform to spring the surprise of the second round when they beat Shamrock Rivers at St Mel's Park on Saturday.

Rovers, nine points adrift in the Premier Division and losing pace with leaders St Patrick's and Shelbourne, were desperate to keep their season afloat with a good Cup run, but the first division side scuppered their ambitions with a composed and accomplished performance.

Kelly's goal arrived after only eight minutes, the Athlone striker rising highest to head home Colin Fortune's cross. Athlone built on that early advantage, taking control from there on.

However, the home side got a good deal of help from Rovers for their second goal, Gino Brazil miscuing his clearance into the path of Paddy Lee who shot home for Athlone's second.

Rovers were restricted to the odd attack, but Athlone goalkeeper Gary Cunningham made a fine save from Tony Cousins, before Derek Tracey gave the Dublin a fillip before half-time when he pulled a goal back.

It should have given Rovers the motivation required to go on and be more competitive in the second half, but their hopes of a comeback were severely curtailed after centre-half Paul Whelan was sent off for a second bookable offence. Manager Mick Byrne gambled played his final card with a half an hour remaining, throwing Brian Morrisroe and Sean Francis into the fray, but Athlone stood firm, nearly adding a third before the final whistle.

ATHLONE TOWN: G Connaughton; S Lally, K Coish, D Rogers, T Silke, C Fortune, R McLoughlin, M Collins, P Lee, A Kelly, A Carberry. Subs: L Buckley for Lally (53 mins), S Mullan for Fortune (90 mins).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: R Forde, M Britton, D Tracey, G Brazil, P Whelan, J Colwell, M O'Neill, T Cousins, R Purdy, M Kenny, S Murray. Subs: B Morrisroe for Kenny (58 mins), S Francis for Murray (59 mins).

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).