Drogheda upset the odds to win the FAI cup

Drogheda upset the form-book in a major way for after a slow start they dominated Cork in every area of the pitch and their win was totally deserved. Their second half performance was far superior to anything that Cork could produce on the day.

Drogheda absorbed a lot of Cork pressure in the opening half-hour of the game but even by then it was obvious they had the wherewithal to counter Cork’s main attacking players.

They contained George O’Callaghan, sidelined Liam Kearney, Cork’s elusive left-winger, and dominated their central attackers, John O’Flynn and Neale Fenn.

In retrospect Cork’s gamble in playing Fenn, who looked far from fit, back-fired on them and it was clear they also missed the suspended Danny Murphy and Roy O’Donovan.

As well Drogheda’s persistence in midfield ensured that they cam out on top in this vital area with Gavin Whelan winning his contest with Joe Gamble. And once they took the lead in the 52^nd minute through Whelan there was seldom a doubt but that they would prevail.

Their second goal arrived in the 83^rd minute by which stage Cork had lost their composure. Team captain Declan O’Brien ran clear when Alan Bennett mis-cued an attempted header from Dan Connor’s goal kick and the striker lobbed the advancing Devine.

It was a day of great joy and satisfaction for Drogheda and for everybody associated with the club. Their first ever trophy in League of Ireland competition was won with style and it represented an extraordinary third win in a row in the Cup for Graham Gartland, who had won the Cup with Longford in the previous two seasons.

Drogheda’s victory might have been even more pronounced but for the good goalkeeping of Devine. One diving save to rob O’Brien was outstanding.

Afterwards the victorious manager, Paul Doolin, paid tribute to his players — “I thought the players were fantastic today” he said, “in the end it all comes down to the players and it is what they have done over the season, it’s not what they’ve done over ten League matches or whatever.

“We’ve won it now and with a young side and we want to try and get up there with the best. I’m not going to say something stupid like other managers or other people about dominating, this hopefully might be a start for us.

“I’m delighted for the players, they’ve been magnificent but I just love winning for the likes of Vincent Hoey, who might get the chance of bringing the Cup around the houses in Drogheda now.”

Drogheda United: Dan Connor; Damien Lynch, Graham Gartland, Stephen Gray, Simon Webb; Shane Robinson, Gavin Whelan, Stephen Bradley, Jermaine Sandvliet; Sami Ristila, Declan O’Brien. Subs: Paul Keegan for Bradley 71; Mark Rooney for Ristila 77; Paul Bernard for O’Brien 90 + 2.

Cork City: Michael Devine; Neal Horgan, Alan Bennett, Dan Murray, Greg O’Halloran; Billy Woods, Joe Gamble, George O’Callaghan, Liam Kearney. Subs: Denis Behan for Fenn 62; Colin O’Brien for O’Halloran 83.