Drogheda United progress after dramatic FAI Cup penalty shootout in Derry
By ArdeePost Reporter
Drogheda United progress after dramatic FAI Cup penalty shootout in Derry
Derry City 1 – Drogheda United 1 (Drogheda win 3–0 on penalties)
Holders Drogheda United are safely through to the FAI Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday night.
The clash had everything—an early goal, a late equaliser, extra-time tension, a red card, and finally, a shootout where Drogheda kept their composure while the home side faltered.
Lightning start for Drogheda
The visitors silenced the Brandywell within two minutes. Joshua Thomas burst past Adam O’Reilly on the right and cut the ball back from the byline for Andrew Quinn, who calmly side-footed home from close range to give Drogheda the perfect start.
United continued to frustrate their hosts and nearly doubled their advantage in the 69th minute when Darragh Markey’s free-kick picked out Ryan Brennan, whose powerful header looked destined for the net. However, City goalkeeper Brian Maher produced a remarkable save, tipping the ball away at full stretch.
Duffy’s thunderbolt levels it
That save proved pivotal as Derry City struck back just five minutes later. Danny Mullen worked the ball to Michael Duffy on the edge of the area, and the winger unleashed a ferocious left-footed strike into the roof of the net from 18 yards. It was Duffy’s ninth of the season and a vital equaliser to bring the tie back to life.
City pushed for a winner in extra time, but frustration boiled over when substitute Ben Doherty was shown a straight red card in the final action of the match, leaving Derry to face the looming shootout a man down.
Shootout dominance
In the penalty shootout, Luke Dennison was Drogheda’s hero, saving spot-kicks from Jamie Stott and Danny Mullen, while Derry’s third penalty was blazed over.
At the other end, United were clinical. Conor Keeley, Thomas Oluwa, and Owen Lambe all converted coolly, sending the holders into the last eight with a commanding 3–0 shootout win.
Reaction and what’s next
The victory keeps Drogheda’s hopes of back-to-back FAI Cup triumphs alive, while for Derry it was a bitter end to a night of missed opportunities.
Drogs boss Kevin Doherty hailed his side’s resilience:
“We showed tremendous character tonight. The lads stuck to the plan, defended brilliantly, and when it came to penalties, they showed real composure. Luke (Dennison) was outstanding.”
The Drogs will now await the quarter-final draw as they continue their bid to retain the famous trophy.