A 2-0 WIN was not enough for Shamrock Rovers tonight, as they exited the Setanta Cup 3-2 on aggregate against Derry City.
Stephen Kenny’s men knew they needed a big performance to secure an unlikely progression to the final, and ultimately their efforts were not quite good enough.
After a scoreless first period, a Gary Twigg goal from a Daryl Kavanagh cross gave his side hope early in the second half.
And both teams had chances thereafter, before Twigg scored a scrappy second goal from close range in the 86th minute.
But despite having to deal with an increased level of pressure in the closing stages, Derry held out for a place in the final.
In the night’s other game, Crusaders advanced after extra-time against Sligo Rovers.
The visitors led 2-0 from the first leg, but Sligo fought back admirably in this evening’s encounter at the Showgrounds.
Romauld Boco opened the scoring for the hosts on 35 minutes, before Mark Quigley scored a one-on-one with the keeper to take the game into extra-time.
However, a Colin Coates goal from the penalty spot at the beginning of the second half of extra time silenced the home crowd, and ultimately confirmed his side’s place in the final.
Results in full:
Sligo Rovers 2 – 1 Crusaders (Crusaders win 3-2 on aggregate)
Derry City 0 – 2 Shamrock Rovers (Derry win 3-2 on aggregate)
