Drogs Delight – Drogheda claim first FAI Cup in 19 years

photos from FAI Cup final by Daniel Keegan

Sunday will live long in the memory of Drogheda Utd fans as they claimed their first FAI Cup in 19 years at the Aviva Stadium.

Drogheda Utd defeated Derry City in front of a packed Aviva with the attendance reaching an impressive 38,700 – a record for a non-Dublin FAI Cup final encounter.

Derry City were strong favourites as they battled hard for the league title for a large parts of the campaign. 

However, it was the Louth outfit who came out on top to clinch only their second FAI Cup win.

The Aviva stadium was rocking prior to kick off with both sets of fans displaying colourful banners and pyrotechnics – which ultimately delayed the games commencement.

The game finally kicked off after the smoke and other disruptions were settled.

Drogheda made the breakthrough with Andrew Quinn putting the Drogs ahead just before half time. A perfectly timed run to the back post was met with a delicious side footed volley which left Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher with no chance.

Shortly after half time Drogheda were awarded a penalty, which Douglas James-Taylor gleefully slotted home.

Derry, with their back against the wall, began to test the Derry back line but in the end they could not break any Drogs determination.

After an exciting match and a buzzing Aviva crowd the game finished 2-0. 

Drogheda United manager Kevin Doherty was thrilled at full time.

“You can probably see my face – I told them before the game how proud I am of them regardless of the result,” Doherty said.

“We’ll enjoy tonight, 100% because we’ve won the FAI Cup for only the second time in the club’s history, which is unbelievable,” he added.

The season isn’t over just yet for the Louth men as they will face Bray Wanderers at Tallaght Stadium next Saturday 16th November in a promotion/relegation play-off.