Wins for Drogheda and Cork in the Cups

Declan ‘Fabio’ O'Brien scored twice to help catapult holders Drogheda United into the EA Sports Cup final after a 3-1 semi-final win over Derry City at the Brandywell.

Drogheda started brightly and were deservedly in front after 12 minutes. O'Brien punished a comedy of errors in the Derry defence which saw keeper Ger Doherty twice fail to gather the ball either side of O'Brien hitting the bar before the striker shot the loose ball home.

Derry gradually worked their way back into the game and levelled on 38 minutes when the in-form David McDaid tapped home following good work by Paddy Kavanagh and Thomas Crawley.

But Drogheda remained the better side into the second half and restored their lead on 66 minutes.

Ryan Brennan's pass split the Derry defence and midfielder David Cassidy outfoxed Doherty before sliding the ball home.

O'Brien then sealed Drogheda's final date on September 21st, against either Shamrock Rovers or Sligo Rovers, when powering past defender Stewart Greacen before curling a shot past Doherty.

Meanwhile, Danny Morrissey also scored twice as Cork City beat Dublin Junior side Kilbarrack United 3-1 in their delayed FAI Ford Cup second round tie at Turner's Cross.

In what was caretaker manager Stuart Ashton's first game in charge since Tommy Dunne's departure on Saturday, Cork eased safely through and now face Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds in the third round later this month.

Kilbarrack's best laid plan were in disarray when they found themselves behind as early as the first minute of the game as Morrissey swept home an Ian Turner corner.

Morrissey had a fine header saved by Kilbarrack keeper Mark Hatton late in the first half before doubling Cork's lead nine minutes into the second half when shooting to the net from the edge of the area from a Stephen Kenny pass.

Central defender Garry Buckley added Cork's third goal eight minutes later from a well-struck volley.

Substitute James English got Kilbarrack's consolation goal on 67 minutes.