Cassidy seals Drogheda's passage to semi-final clash

Goals early and late in the second half from Declan O'Brien and David Cassidy booked Drogheda United's passage through to a Louth derby semi-final clash with neighbours Dundalk in the FAI Ford Cup after they beat First Division Finn Harps 2-0 in their quarter-final replay at Hunky Dorys Park.

O'Brien struck for the lead goal five minutes after half-time. Fullback Shane Grimes got forward well to work a one-two with midfielder Cassidy and cross from the end line. Philip Hand miscued his shot at the back post, but the ball broke for O'Brien who fired home from close range.

Harps' hopes of a comeback faded on 70 minutes when defender Damien McNulty was sent off for a foul on Cassidy, his second booking.

Man-of-the-match Cassidy sealed Drogheda's passage in the second minute of added time at the death when tapping home after he had released Ryan Brennan through one-on-one with Harps' 'keeper Ciaran Gallagher for Brennan to then unselfishly squared the ball back to him to finish.

Both sides produced good openings late on in a tight first half.

Drogheda's O'Brien was first up when heading wide after Brennan had done well to beat Michael Funston to cross from the right.

Harps' defender Keith Cowan then brought the save of the half from Michael Schlingermann on 43 minutes with a header from Funston's corner.

In the semi-final draw made last night, Drogheda will have home advantage against Dundalk while Sligo Rovers, who knocked out holders Derry City on Sunday, will meet Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds.

"It's a mouth-watering tie," said Sligo boss Ian Baraclough following the draw. "A home draw is something we wanted and it’s a game to really look forward to.

"It's also a tie that both sets of fans will be excited about. There will be huge interest and the incentive is there for everybody to see. It's a chance to reach a cup final at the Aviva Stadium and we will be doing all we can to get there."

FAI Ford Cup (semi-final draw):

Drogheda United v Dundalk

Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers

(Ties to be played on Sunday, October 6th)