Finn Harps advanced to the FAI Cup quarterfinals after a second half siege and Ryan Flood’s double steered them past spirited, non-league Skerries in cloudburst conditions in Ballybofey.

Home manager, Dave Rogers, had brought in Patrick Ferry and Max Hutchison for starts this evening.  It was also a big night for the Kimmage’s, brothers Oisin and James both named in Skerries’ eleven.

Skerries started sprightly and Harps goalkeeper, Rory Kelly showed his early sharpness to deny the lively Alan Leonard the ideal launchpad for the non-league Dubliners.

One minute later and Hutchison repaid his manager’s faith with the game’s opening goal.   BJ Banda drove down the left wing, his cutback was met by a crisp Ryan Flood strike which Skerries shot-stopper, Liam Woodcock saved smartly.

The rebound though came to an alert Hutchison who pounced for his second FAI Cup strike in as many games.  A body-blow for Skerries who conceded the first goal in their Cup run.

Although the visitors responded positively to the setback, when Karl Young fouled Flood just outside the box, the set piece position was in prime Flood territory.

Sure enough, Harps’ top scorer, struck it sweetly, the fantastic free sent fizzing into the bottom corner, the hosts two up inside eighteen minutes.

Ferry and Daithi McCallion both had half-chances go wide, the rain creating a slippy playing surface which combined with Skerries’ tenaciousness off the ball making it difficult for Harps to maintain any slick passing rhythm.

A rasping half-volley from Stephen Doherty was just off target as was a flashing free kick across the box by Banda, Skerries sitting deep but holding firm.

Straight away into the second half, Harps were caught dozing as Skerries sliced them apart, Leonard shooting again, his effort high but exciting the fifty brave travelling fans.

In what must have felt like déjà vu for the North Dublin side then, Harps made it three through Ferry’s fine finish on the turn, a stylish swivel getting him space as Rogers’ second alteration got on the scoresheet.

Substitute Sean O’Donnell had an instant impact, within three minutes of entering the fray, the pacy forward was found by Banda on the counterattack and showing his speed, slotting in Harps’ fourth.

Upping the ante continually, Harps found a fifth before the hour, Hutchison feeding Flood who cut in from the right, his wand of a left foot this time sending a fine curler into the corner, the scoreline harsh on a spirited Skerries.

O’Donnell and Leonard exchanged a few late skirmishes which earned them a yellow card apiece, with the game’s tempo considerably toned down in monstrous weather.

With the Leinster Senior League starting up tonight, Skerries can return to domestic action buoyed by this Cup adventure.

Harps are at home again next week, aiming to again oust Longford Town, having won a five-goal thriller against them in June, Finn Park will hope for another five-star showing as they also await the opponents for their last eight Cup tie.