Drogheda's Foley bags late winner to set up FAI Cup final against Derry City

It sends Drogheda United to Lansdowne Road for the first time since 2013.

Drogheda United’s Luke Heaney and Adam Foley celebrate after the game. Pic: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

FAI Cup semi-final: Drogheda United 3 (Adam Foley 65, Douglas James-Taylor 77, Adam Foley 90+2) Wexford 2 (Aaron Dobbs 42, 79) 

Substitute Adam Foley struck twice – including an injury-time winner – to steer Drogheda United into an FAI Cup final date with Derry City on November 10.

Lots of pre-match talk centred on the prolific partnership of pairing of Douglas James-Taylor and Frantz Pierrot but a first-half injury to the latter enabled Foley to spring from the bench.

It was all of 13 years ago that a First Division team last reached the final, 15 since the winner came from the second tier, but for large swatches of this game, Wexford were Premier class.

There was a top-tier influence throughout their side, four of the back-four currently on loan from top-flight clubs, but their local legend Aaron Dobbs was the one who bagged a brace to keep alive hopes of a first FAI Cup final for the club.

Wexford’s Aaron Dobbs celebrates his second goal with teammates. Pic: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

He’s been around the league circuit for a decade since making his debut for Shamrock Rovers as a 16-year-old and his predatory instincts were evident were two close-range finishes.

He had James Keddy’s side ahead of the break by prodding home Thomas Oluwa’s left-wing cross and the same combination were involved in equalising to make it 2-2 after Drogs had scored twice during the interim.

Foley brought the home side level on 65 by redirecting Andrew Quinn’s wayward cross high into the net before James-Taylor shrugged off Sean McHale from Darragh Markey's corner to head in their second 12 minutes later.

Drogheda United goalscorer Douglas James Taylor is congratulated by Dave Webster. Pic: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Despite Wexford levelling within two minutes, there would be one final splattering of drama when Foley arrived on cue to hook the ball home from a long throw-in that was headed on by James Bolger. 

It sends them to Lansdowne Road for the first time since 2013 - and they might have a relegation playoff the following week to retain their Premier Division status if they can't bridge a four-point gap on Bohemians over the final four league games.

DROGHEDA UTD: L Dennison; E Ahui, A Quinn, D Webster, J Bolger, C Kane; D Markey R Brennan, S Farrell (L Heeney 58); D James-Taylor, F Pierrot (A Foley 30).

WEXFORD: C Walsh; D Isamala, L Temple, C O’Malley, S McHale (K Harnett 90+3); D Levingston, L Lovic (C Curtis 75), K Corbally; M Rowe (E Boyle 55), A Dobbs (J Crawford 90+3), T Oluwa.

Referee: D McGraith (Mayo).

Attendance: 2543