Derry City behind at the break in FAI Cup final
The Candystripes trail Drogheda United 1-0 at half-time in the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium
Derry City trail Drogheda United 1-0 at half-time in the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.
Ruaidhri Higgins' team now have it all to do as they attempt to come from behind after a poor first half in which they only showed glimpses of threat.
The threat of the Drogheda front two was evident very early as a simple ball forward saw Douglas James Taylor get ahead of Shane McEleney ad flick it into the path of Frantz Pierrot, who had a clear sight of goal, until Mark Connolly rescued Derry City with a timely and important tackle just yards from goal.
This cup final needed something to spark it into life after a cautious start from both teams, and it almost arrived on 25 minutes. A long throw into the City area was cleared to the edge of the 18-yard box where Darragh Markey took control before his shot was deflected on its way to goal, with Brian Maher making sure as he pushed it wide for a corner.
As if a switch had been pushed, Derry City responded went straight down the other end and created their first chance with McMullan’s first cross blocked by Dave Webster before coming back to the winger who immediately picked out Danny Mullen, but the striker’s clever attempt at a back-heeled finish was saved by Luke Dennison.
Better from Derry soon followed with Sadou Diallo taking over from Andre Wisdom and approaching the penalty area before linking well with Patrick McEleney, the City captain doing well to set up his team mate for a shot, but Diallo’s effort was too close to Dennison.
But just as Derry were building momentum, Drogheda United struck to open the scoring on 37 minutes. Diallo needlessly gave away a free kick by fouling Pierrot, and when Farrell delivered the ball into the back post, defender Andrew Quinn got away from Mark Connolly to side-foot past Brian Maher to make it 1-0.
A miserable first half only got worse for Derry City, who then lost captain McEleney right on half-time, the City captain coming off worst from an aerial challenge with Ryan Brennan, which saw both players receive treatment. The Drogheda man was yellow-carded when he regained his feet five minutes later, but it was the end of McEleney’s cup final, as he was replaced by Will Patching.