Drogs reach first FAI Cup semi-final in 11 years
Drogheda’s Adam Foley celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal. Picture: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Drogheda United are into their first FAI Cup semi-final since 2013 when they avoided a giant killing act by beating First Division Athlone Town.
Athlone went into the tie having lost their last four league games with their most recent win coming in the last round of the cup versus Waterford.
The hosts earned the first corner kick after five minutes but, as the cup tie atmosphere heated up, both Brian Torre and Shane Forbes soon picked up early yellow cards.
The opening goal fell Drogheda’s way after 11 minutes when indecision at the back by the Town proved costly. A long ball forward wasn’t dealt with and as goalkeeper Enda Minogue then failed to hold onto the loose ball, Douglas James Taylor took advantage to roll his shot into an empty net.
Minogue was shown in a better light when he gathered at the second attempt a powerful strike from Elicha Ahui and later tipped over a Ryan Brennan free.
Drogheda had further opportunities to add to their goal tally before the break. Frantz Pierrot had two chances to score against his former club. The first attempt saw Minogue block his shot with the woodwork then denying the number nine.
Athlone were restricted to just a couple of chances with a Forbes shot on the turn flashing wide and Dean Ebbe heading a Leo Gaxha free kick over the bar.
The lead was doubled just seven minutes after the break from a corner. Darragh Markey’s delivery was headed against the bar by James-Taylor who then reacted quickest to bundle the loose ball home.
Athlone earned another corner and Ebbe shot wide as they looked to cut the deficit. United’s passage was all but secured with a third goal after 65 minutes when Brennan’s free kick flew past Minogue’s left.
Substitute Adam Foley completed the United task with a fine individual effort after 81 minutes. There was some consolation for Athlone with six minutes remaining when substitute Jack Keaney was red carded for a foul on Peter McGregor and Ebbe sent the keeper the wrong way with the resulting spot kick.
Minogue, Connolly (Martin-Conway 91), VanGeenen, McKenna, Duffy, Forbes (Robinson 54), Ebbe (Babatunde 91), Torre (Huynh 76), Tetteh (McGregor 54), Oakley, Gaxha.
Dennison, Ahui (Foley 66), Quinn, Markey (O’Brien 78), Pierrot (Davis 71), James-Taylor, Webster (Deegan 71), Bolger, Brennan (Keaney 71), Heeney, Kane.
Paul Norton (Dublin)
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