Drogheda United 3
Wexford 2
Barry Landy reports from United Park.
DROGHEDA UNITED will face Derry City in the FAI Cup final next month after Adam Foley’s injury time goal saw them squeak past Wexford and into the Aviva Stadium showpiece.
The Premier Division outfit were made to work for their victory. Kevin Doherty’s team were heavily fancied to get beyond James Keddy’s side on home soil, especially given their exceptional recent form.
Wexford though can be proud of their efforts. Aaron Dobbs’ double kept them in contention until the very end. Foley, a substitute for the injured Frantz Pierrot in the first half, fired a second-half brace to help Drogheda over the line.
Dobbs’ had handed Youths a deserved lead in the first half but they sat back in the second half and invited a largely under-par United back into the game. Foley levelled it before Douglas James-Taylor put the hosts in control, or seemingly so.
Exactly two minutes after his goal put the Drogs 2-1 up, Dobbs struck again. Extra time loomed large on the Windmill Road but Foley had other ideas. From Elicha Ahui’s long throw, James Bolger flicked it on. It left the veteran striker to finish the move and
the game.
It had been 11 years to the day since Drogheda’s last appearance in an FAI Cup semi-final. That match, against local rivals Dundalk, has gone down in history as one of the most controversial last four ties the competition has ever seen.
This will be remembered for altogether different reasons. A slow burner of a cup semi-final, this soon turned into a last four classic.
With Drogheda likely to face a promotion-relegation playoff in their bid to remain in the Premier Division for 2025, and with Wexford among the teams looking to secure a playoff berth in the second tier, perhaps these side will meet again soon enough.
Wexford deserved their opener. The excellent Kian Corbally and Thomas Oluwa exchanged a one-two in midfield, before the former swept a pass back out to Oluwa. The winger produced a cross to the front post, where Mikie Rowe hooked towards goal. Luke Dennison saved but Dobbs pounced on the loose ball.
The Drogs levelled when Elicha Ahui dispossessed Darragh Levingston in midfield and he found James-Taylor, who in turn played in Conor Kane.
The left back’s cross was not adequately cleared and from Andrew Quinn’s wayward shot attempt, Foley instinctively stuck out a leg to find the net.
Drogheda went in front when James-Taylor met Darragh Markey’s corner with a firm header. The lead, however, lasted exactly two minutes. Dobbs bundled in from close range.
The majority of the 2,543 crowd could hardly believe what they were witnessing. This was supposed to be their day. The upstarts from the Model County appeared to have other ideas.
Foley settled it in the end. It was a timely goal and after an 11-year wait for an Aviva Stadium return, supporters in claret-and-blue will feel it is about time.
Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Andrew Quinn, David Webster, James Bolger; Elicha Ahui, Ryan Brennan, Shane Farrell (Luke Heeney, 58), Darragh Markey, Conor Kane; Frantz Pierrot, (Adam Foley, 30) Douglas James-Taylor.
Wexford: Conor Walsh; Divin Isamala, Lewis Temple, Cian O’Malley, Sean McHale (James Crawford, 90+4); Luka Lovic (Cian Curtis, 76), Darragh Levingston, Kian Corbally; Mikie Rowe (Ethan Boyle, 55), Adam Dobbs (Kaylem Harnett, 90+4), Thomas Oluwa.
Referee: Damien MacGraith
Having correctly predicted all 4 quarter finals and both semi finals, I’m going with Derry to lift the cup. Just for the record.
@Ray Ridge: Derry fan are crying now
@Shawn: fan’s
Drogheda could win the cup and get relegated. Imagine a first division team playing in Europe I wonder has that ever happened… Derry could win the double, Rovers could go 5 titles in a row Shels to go from relegation to back to back league champs? So many possibilities. Exiting times.
@robert kelly: Call it Robert. Big game now. Shels need to get something out of it. Especially with Derry away in the last game.
@Ray Ridge: I’ll go 2-2 draw Ray but just because I’d prefer Derry to win the league over Rovers and Shels. But I think Rovers will win 3-1 and its anyone’s guess then
@robert kelly: Galway won the first division last season, Shels were the year before.
@Barry Ward: of course they did Barry my bad. The excitement going to my head. I’ll re phrase and say from being relegated to winning the league…. all hypothetical of course and Ironically Galway can still win the league as well along with Pats and Sligo. Again all very exiting
@robert kelly: Galway blew any chance they had in the 96th minute last night. Conceded too many late late goals. Top 4 still great finish if the can hold on. Hard to believe Shels no win in 5 and still top of the table. Granted, Derry have 2 games in hand. Rovers can’t be ruled especially if they win this game.
@robert kelly: I think it’s great to see a league so open. I’d be delighted to see Shels win for Duff. It’s brilliant that an ex player with his profile comes back to the domestic league and manages. Wouldn’t mind seeing Derry win either indeed.
If Pats had appointed Kenny a month earlier would they be favourites now?
@Ray Ridge: I said they might get into Europe early on in fairness most would said your mad and no not as likely as the others but still possible Razor the way the league has been I wouldn’t be surprised
@robert kelly: no bother Robert! Unfortunately I think Galways chance is gone
@Barry Ward: brilliant season nonetheless
@robert kelly: UCD were relegated in 2014 but qualified for the 2015 Europa League through the UEFA Fair League rankings – won their first round game as well against F91 Dudelange.
@robert kelly: in fairness Robert you said Galway could get Europe for awhile back now. I thought they be more bottom 4 than top.
@James: ah yea I actually vaguely remember that now you say it James. Thanks for the info
@robert kelly: No bother – also Dundalk were relegated and won the cup in 2001/02 season. Beat Bohs 2-1 at Tolka Park.