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— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) December 6, 2020
The Final | @ShamrockRovers v @DundalkFC
What an occasion for both sides 👌#FAICup | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/CfwZNhCMDi
Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
We’re in the seventh minute at the Aviva Stadium, and Dundalk have enjoyed the brighter start. They’ve settled quicker and are enjoying more possession than the 2020 league champions. No major attacks just yet, cagey enough stuff so far.
9 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
The first proper shot of the game falls to Graham Burke, but Gary Rogers saves accordingly. Nothing too testing for the experienced Lilywhites shot-stopper.
10 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
This is of course a rematch of last year’s decider, under lights at a freezing cold Lansdowne Road where Gavin Cooney is our man on the ground. Last year’s league champions v this year’s, there’s loads to play for as Rovers look to complete the double while Dundalk come in seeking revenge.
13 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
First two real fouls of the match as Burke catches Chris Shields late inside Dundalk’s half, while Greg Sloggett is involved in another just after. Both free-kicks, no bookings, on with the football. Jack Byrne is pulling the strings for Rovers, as per.
15 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Byrne shows his creativity and gets involved in Rovers’ best move so far, but Aaron Greene’s header drags wide.
Dylan Watts catches Dan Cleary late, and he’s booked.
18 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Promising from Dundalk there. Chris Shields shows his experience to draw a free from Byrne, and while nothing comes off the resultant kick and it’s cleared, Shields sends it back in and Mannus comfortably catches a decent Brian Gartland headed effort.
Apologies, here are the XIs…
DUNDALK: Rogers; Boyle, Gartland, Cleary; Gannon, Shields, McEleney, Sloggett, Dummigan; McMillan, Duffy.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Mannus; O’Brien, Lopes, Scales; Finn, Watts, McEneff, Kavanagh; Byrne, Greene, Burke.
20 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Aaron McEneff lets fly but Rogers pulls off an excellent save. Byrne showed his brilliance once again in the build-up there. Rogers appears to have injured himself in some way diving to safe, staff on to look at his shoulder but all is well….
22 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Byrne sends a free in and after a bit of back and forth, Rogers gathers accordingly and seems to be 100%. Both goalkeepers have been involved quite a bit early on, Mannus showing confidence to deal with a threat at the other end.
24 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
It’s a good battle out there, lots of it being played around the middle on a foggy night. Rovers have been enjoying a brighter spell the past few minutes…
29 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
SAVE! Rogers gets his fingertips to an excellent Burke 25-yard free kick, the Hoops star bending it around the wall from the right. Shield’s indiscipline causing Dundalk problems, conceding back-to-back frees. Byrne is really coming into this, swinging in threatening corners.
This period of sustained Rovers pressure comes after McMillan scuffs a close-range effort wide at the other end.
33 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Good play from Rovers over the past few minutes, they’re enjoying possession, dictating matters and causing Dundalk problems. Byrne steps up with the latest shot, trying to bend a shot in from the edge of the box but it heads wide to the right of the far post.
35 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
The Dubliners are certainly controlling the tempo of the game and they’ve upped the ante as they go in search of that all-important opening goal. McMillan wins it back for Dundalk — who have really been penned in — breaking down a potentially dangerous attack.
38 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Byrne catches Sean Gannon’s boot high, seems fairly accidental as they both go for the ball so a card is avoided. Referee awards Dundalk a free in their half as they look to get more of a foothold on the game.
Nothing comes off the immediate free-in, but Dummigan and Duffy combine nicely with a one-two, but the former’s effort on goal flashes wide.
41 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Dundalk really needed that nice passage of play, should bring them good confidence as they look to build before half time. As should Shields’ block on Byrne, having just given it away.
Messaging from the sideline, and indeed on the pitch, being heard loud and clear on RTÉ — the one benefit to behind-closed-doors matches?
45 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
After Dundalk’s bright start, Rovers are certainly dictating matters now. Will there be a goal before half time?
One minute added on, the latest incident of note a free inside Rovers own half for a Gartland challenge on Byrne…
46 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Rovers threaten as the clock winds down. Joey O’Brien and Shields collide, looks like a sore one for the Rovers man but it had to be done as Dundalk broke… he sees yellow for that one before limping off. Seems okay, should be good to continue.
HALF-TIME: Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Thoughts on that so far? Gav’s tweet sums up the last few minutes anyway…
HT: 0-0. Rovers hogging the ball and are the better side.
— Gavin Cooney (@gcooney93) December 6, 2020
Here’s a look at that Burke free-kick, probably the closest we’ve come to a goal…
The closest we've come to a goal in the FAI Cup final as Gary Rogers turns Graham Burke's free-kick around the post #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/Oz9HVwXNLC
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) December 6, 2020
And that clash just before the break…
Joey O'Brien taking one for the team just before the break
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) December 6, 2020
Live coverage of the second-half of the FAI Cup final coming up shortly @RTE2 and the @RTEplayer #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/1IsFjkSEKz
After our unfortunate lack of build-up, we should have a half-time poll.
Who will be crowned 2020 FAI Cup champions?
Poll Results:
46 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
We’re back underway, and Rovers are once again on the front foot.
48 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Shields catches Burke with a high boot but just a free is given. Rovers look a little messy at the back momentarily but Byrne settles the ship. They have a corner here after a nice break, as they look to break the deadlock.
49 mins – Dundalk 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
Drama after that Byrne corner, penalty calls for Rovers after Burke claims his shot comes off Shields’ hand…
GOAL! Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk (Greene, 49)
That had been coming… Aaron Greene heads home at the back post off the back of a flick from Lee Grace. Dundalk undone by a corner once again.
52 mins – Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk
Muffled calls for a penalty at the other end after Sloggett hits the ground after what he claims was contact from Kavanagh as a cross comes in. Play is waved on. Jack Byrne received treatment just after, but he’s back flying around the pitch once again.
57 mins – Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk
Rovers continuing to enjoy possession after going one-up. Michael Duffy fouls Byrne in a dangerous position, free-in coming up…
59 mins – Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk
Byrne sends it in and there’s some confusion at the back for Dundalk, they escape all the same. Another bit of sloppy defending follows after Chris Shields gives the ball away cheaply and they give away a needless free to the right of the box.
60 mins – Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk
Cleary clears Byrne’s free, and Rogers cleanly claims his resultant corner.
63 mins – Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk
Corner after corner, the first comes after Greene has a pop after a promising Rovers break. Byrne’s delivery is met by Scales’ head, another corner is given though there looks to be no Dundalk contact. Tempers flare, but Byrne happily takes the corner which is kept out by Rogers.
65 mins – Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk
Tempers flare once again as Sloggett sees yellow for a careless challenge. The resultant free, taken by Burke, ricochets off the wall.
Here’s that all-important Greene goal….
Aaron Greene gives Shamrock Rovers the lead in the FAI Cup Final
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) December 6, 2020
Watch live coverage @RTE2 and the @RTEplayer #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/1u4eYUCtEw
GOAL! Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Dundalk (McMillan, 69)
What a finish! Just when it looked like Rovers were going to drive on, Dundalk square things up. It’s David McMillan with the equaliser after the breaking ball in the box falls to him and his shot hits off the inside of both posts before rattling the net.
PENALTY for Dundalk! Madness, the referee is close and he points straight to the spot after he adjudges Liam Scales to have dragged Cleary to the ground after a Dundalk corner.
GOAL! Dundalk 2-1 Shamrock Rovers (McMillan penalty, 72)
McMillan sends Mannus the wrong way with an expertly-taken penalty. What a three-minute turnaround!
GOAL! Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk (Lopes, 74)
Ah, lads! Unbelievable stuff. Three goals in five minutes. What a header that was from Roberto Lopes, rising highest in the box to head Byrne’s corner home.
76 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
What a mad few minutes there, we’re just about able to catch our breaths again. Dundalk looked all but dead and buried there, what a turnaround — and who else but Lopes to level matters once again.
78 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Rovers have the wind in their sails here, playing some nice football as they look to edge back in front. The on-rushing Greene has a go from the left just inside the box but it’s deflected out for a corner, Byrne sends in another nice delivery which eventually falls to McEneff — who had plenty of time and should have done better with his effort.
A reminder of McMillan’s first…
A lovely finish from Dave McMillan to bring Dundalk level in the FAI Cup final #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/zfj7sB9qoa
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) December 6, 2020
81 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
The game has really opened up here, proper end-to-end stuff as both sides chase down a winner. Rovers preparing to bring on fresh legs, Kavanagh is down getting treatment so he could make way.
Triple-change: Greg Bolger, Rhys Marshall and Danny Lafferty all in for Rovers; Ronan Finn and Kavanagh make way… didn’t catch the third player, but should have confirmation shortly.
85 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Chances at both ends as McMillan, who’s on a hat-trick, has a header denied by Mannus while a low Greene effort is stopped by Rogers at the other end, he spills but recovers.
Dylan Watts was the third Rovers player to make way, also.
Dundalk substitution: Jordan Flores comes in for Sloggett. Into the 87th minute…
88 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Dundalk enjoy most of the recent possession, but nothing of note comes off it. Shields sees yellow for a challenge at one point but other than that, nothing major to report.
It’s certainly squeaky bum time. Will we see a winner in the 90-plus, or could there be extra-time and penalties?
Three additional minutes…
91 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
We open the extra three with a Rovers free just inside their half. Rogers deals accordingly with an onslaught on his goal – first he keeps Byrne’s free out, and then he gets a hand to a brilliant Burke cross, which Lopes very nearly snuck into the net after. A let-off for the Lilywhites.
92 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Rovers have the ball, should be time for one more attack here….
2-2 after 90+ minutes, and we head for extra-time in the FAI Cup final once again.
FT 2-2. We go to extra time in the FAI Cup final once again. What a second half!
— Gavin Cooney (@gcooney93) December 6, 2020
EXTRA-TIME: Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
After that scintillating second half we’re into extra-time. Incredibly, 11 FAI Cup finals have been played at the Aviva Stadium and eight of those have gone to extra time. Will it be decided within, or will we need penalties?
93 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Nothing major to report just yet, as both sides settle into the extra period.
Well until now — Duffy draws a Dundalk corner as they press for a third goal. Looks like they’re going to bring in fresh legs too…
94 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Two-goal hero McMillan very nearly sneaks a third, only for his headed effort off the corner is aimed straight at Mannus.
Here’s that Dundalk double substitution: Darragh Leahy comes in for Gannon, John Mounteney replaces McEleney.
98 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Burke sees yellow for a foul on Duffy as Dundalk broke away. Both sides probing for a respective all-important third goal.
100 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Good build-up play from Dundalk there down the right-hand side, and Scales does well to keep McMillan out… corner to Dundalk, which never enters play.
101 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Burke blows a brilliant chance for Rovers. Likewise, they find joy down the right, and he makes a promising run with the ball into the box, he really should have placed his shot and worked the ‘keeper but he goes for power and skews it high and wide.
104 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Good Rovers defending there as Grace keeps Leahy out off the back of a Shields ball into the box. He wins a free for his troubles as we approach the extra-time break.
One additional minute.
Gartland brings McEneff down after a brilliant through-ball from Byrne. Rovers have a free in a good position, to the left of the box, 15 yards out.
107 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Byrne has a shot on goal and Rogers has to save, sending the ball out for a corner — he’s struggling and getting more treatment. ‘Me f**king shoulder,’ it appears…
HT ET: Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Rogers stays on, two Dundalk players clash as they look to clear Byrne’s corner. That’s all we have time for as we take a short break before resetting for the business end of extra-time.
106 mins - Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
We’re back underway with a change a-piece. Gartland is replaced by Sean Hoare. Promising Rovers youngster Dean Willams comes in for goalscorer Greene.
107 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Williams chases one down into the corner with Rovers on the attack, but Andy Boyle shows his experience and his strength to hold him off and win the goal-kick.
109 mins – Shamrock Rovers 2-2 Dundalk
Both sides careful in possession, no one wanting to make a crucial mistake. Extra time has certainly been much more cagey than that electric second half, no crazy chances or risks being taken. Yet, any way…
Dundalk sub: Daniel Kelly replaces Michael Duffy. That completes them, so Rogers will be in goal no matter what should it go to penalties…
GOAL! Dundalk 3-2 Shamrock Rovers (Hoare, 111)
Substitute Sean Hoare has the final say after a goal-mouth scramble off the back of a free-kick conceded by Bolger. Dundalk go in front for the second time.
So much for my talk of penalties… we might not even need them.
113 mins – Dundalk 3-2 Shamrock Rovers
Bolger concedes another free there, surely out of frustration. Flores takes it and it eventually ends in offside, the cameras flash to Filippo Giovagnoli as he urges his Lilywhites side to calm down.
115 mins – Dundalk 3-2 Shamrock Rovers
Rovers look for something, anything, with less than five minutes of the 120 remaining…
GOAL! Dundalk 4-2 Shamrock Rovers (McMillan, 116)
McMillian is Dundalk’s hat-trick hero! What a spectacular finish to crown, what is sure to be, a victory for the Lilywhites. Incredible team move in the build-up too, to be fair.
119 mins – Dundalk 4-2 Shamrock Rovers
This game looks all but over, but Rovers keep on coming… Rhys Marshall gets a head on a cross at the back post, which is stopped by Rogers, but a free-out is given.
McMillian named man-of-the-match on RTÉ commentary, no surprises there – just the third ever to score a hat-trick in the FAI Cup final.
120 mins – Dundalk 4-2 Shamrock Rovers
This will be Rovers’ first domestic defeat of the season. Dundalk push on, they want five! Rovers looking for a consolation in additional time…
FULL-TIME: Dundalk 4-2 Shamrock Rovers
The scenes at the final whistle says it all — Dundalk show their delight as they finish a turbulent season with silverware, while it’s bitter disappointment for Rovers, whose wait for a perfect doubles goes on.
“I felt I was having a poor game up until the first goal,” hat-trick hero McMillan tells RTÉ’s Tony O’Donoghue after the game.
“It’s a huge, huge effort from everybody. I thought we played superbly in the second half.”
His third goal was certainly the icing on the cake, as Dundalk showed incredible resilience to come back after Rovers dominated the game for the most part of normal time:
Dave McMillan - hat-trick hero, man of the match - here's his third goal, the one that wrapped it up for @DundalkFC #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/RkUXhYCco2
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) December 6, 2020
All over - the season didn't get a great occasion on which to end, but it did get a great game. Dundalk win 4-2 AET.
— Gavin Cooney (@gcooney93) December 6, 2020
And that’s that from the Aviva Stadium as Dundalk head up to collect the FAI Cup.
Shields lifts the silver to, ‘We are the champions’ as the Lilyhwhites thoroughly enjoy their moment — all wearing t-shirts in honour of the late Harry Taaffe, their banner reading, ‘The biggest and brightest 12th man’. An emotional victory.
That’s all from me, but you can read Gavin Cooney‘s full match report right here:
Thanks for tuning in, enjoy the rest of your Sunday night.
