Drogheda United outsmart Derry City to land second FAI Cup

Drogheda United won their second Sports Direct FAI Cup, upsetting favourites Derry City at the Aviva Stadium.

Andrew Quinn and Douglas James-Taylor got the goals to secure a first major trophy for the club since they won the League of Ireland 17 years ago.

In front of a record attendance for a final involving two clubs from outside Dublin of 38,723, the Louth club also secured European action for 2025 ahead of next weekend's promotion/relegation play-off with Bray Wanderers.

For Derry City, it's the culmination of a disastrous run which has seen them finish fourth in the league, and end the campaign with no trophy and no financially lucrative games in Europe next summer.

Drogheda started well before the Candystripes enjoyed a purple patch midway through the first half. The momentum flipped again with Quinn's goal, which was followed shortly afterwards by a game-ending injury for Patrick McEleney, who looked dangerous for Derry.

When James-Taylor converted an early second-half penalty the writing was on the wall for Derry, who dominated possession, but couldn't get the goal that might have caused a bit of panic in the Drogheda team.

Kick-off was delayed for just under five minutes due to flares being lit at the Havelock Square End of the ground, which was where the Drogheda supporters were set up.

It took a couple of announcements before they were all finally put out and the action could get under way.

And it was Drogs who started more brightly, fizzing with the energy of the occasion.

Elicha Ahui's long ball over the top nearly picked out Frantz Pierrot as the game ticked into its third minute, but it was just beyond the Haitian.

Connolly had to be alert shortly afterwards as James-Taylor flicked another ball from deep on, but the