In a classic showdown at the FAI Cup semi-final, Drogheda United managed to scrape a thrilling victory of 3-2 over Wexford, securing a spot in the final and a November 10th encounter at Aviva Stadium with Derry City. Wexford, however, did not go down without a fight and gave Drogheda a run for their money.
Eleven years have passed since Drogheda’s previous appearance in the FAI Cup semi-final. They entered Weavers Park as the odds-on favourite against the First Division squad. Notably, in 2013, they triumphed over local adversaries Dundalk amidst a contentious penalty decision and two red cards by referee Anthony Buttimer. This victory remains a prominent controversy and an enduring memory in the history of the cup semi-finals.
This recent victory is touted to be equally memorable. The Drogheda fans, sporting their claret and blue, will look back fondly at this thrilling match held at the reputed Windmill Road ground. It was Adam Foley whose last-minute goal sealed the deal for Drogheda, culminating an intense game of shifting fortunes, which gained momentum only in the latter half of the game.
In the aftermath of the victory, Drogheda’s manager Kevin Doherty expressed immense pride at the team’s progress. He credited the players for their outstanding performance and acknowledged the challenge they would face in their Aviva showdown against Derry. He highlighted Derry’s prowess, recalling their spectacular performance against Shels a few years back.
Wexford did not let the victory come easy for Drogheda. Aaron Dobb’s first-half goal gave Wexford an early lead, much to the delight of the 2,543 spectators. Drogheda lacked their signature intensity, which gave Wexford, under manager James Keddy, opportunities to dominate early on. Keddy, a former league title winner with United in 2007, must have been proud of his young team’s show of skills under the watchful gaze of the RTÉ cameras.
In the first significant move of the match, Mikie Rowe tried to get past Luke Dennison, supported by Divin Ismala and Seán McHale, however, their efforts didn’t truly challenge Drogheda’s goalkeeper. Following an unfortunate turn of events, the home team’s Frantz Pierrot, a Haitian international with 11 league and cup goals to his credit, had to leave the field after 30 minutes, being replaced by Foley.
The travelling squad claimed the first goal after 42 minutes of play. The successful attempt was a result of a smooth play set up by Kian Corbally and Thomas Owula, culminating in Dobbs finishing off Rowe’s effort from a short distance.
The second half saw a more motivated United team, likely stirred by the evident dissatisfaction of their manager Doherty. Gaining control in the midfield, Elicha Ahui helped set up Conor Kane for a cross into the penalty area. Andrew Quinn’s stray shot was redirected into the goal by Foley after 65 minutes, recording his first of two scores.
A quick header by James-Taylor following a corner kick by Darragh Markey at 77 minutes gave Drogheda an advantage. However, within two minutes, Wexford equalised via Dobbs, assisted by another Oluwa. As the possibility of extra time hung in the balance, Wexford struggled to capitalise on their equalising goal.
Drogheda sealed the win in the 92nd minute when James Bolger tipped Ahui’s throw to Foley, who scored, exciting the home crowd.
The team line-up for Drogheda United was Dennison; Quinn, Webster, Bolger; Ahui, Brennan, Farrell (with Heeney subbing in at 58 minutes), Markey, Kane; Pierrot (replaced by Foley at 30 minutes), James-Taylor.
The team for Wexford was Walsh; Isamala, Temple, O’Malley, McHale (swapped for James Crawford in extra time); Lovic (replaced by Curtis at 76 minutes), Levingston, Corbally; Rowe (subbed for Boyle at 55 minutes), Dobbs (swapped for Harnett in extra time), Oluwa.
Refereeing was overseen by Damien MacGraith.