Rovers Edge Past Drogheda in Thrilling Cup Tie
By ArdeePost Reporter
Shamrock Rovers’ pursuit of a historic league and cup double remains alive, but they were made to work for it. The Hoops advanced to the FAI Cup semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over holders Drogheda United at Sullivan & Lambe Park. Goalkeeper Ed McGinty was the hero, saving three spot kicks to send Stephen Bradley’s side through in what was, without a doubt, the tie of the round.
The sellout crowd of 2,594 witnessed a pulsating match that had everything. It was Graham Burke’s first-half goal that looked to have sealed a routine win for Rovers, but a sensational overhead kick from Drogheda’s Andrew Quinn in the 95th minute forced the game into extra time and, eventually, penalties.
A Hard-Fought Battle
Drogheda United, the 2024 cup winners, came into the match with a clear ambition to retain their title. Manager Kevin Doherty had spoken pre-match about his team’s designs on cup success, which would also offer them another shot at European football.
Rovers’ opener in the 23rd minute was a result of patient play, but also a stroke of luck. A slip from Drogheda’s Ryan Brennan allowed Danny Mandroiu to find Burke, who made no mistake with his finish, scoring his 11th career goal against the Louth side.
As Rovers took control of the game, tempers began to flare. A major flashpoint occurred just before halftime when Mandroiu cynically hacked down Conor Kane. Despite the dangerous nature of the challenge, which occurred with the ball nowhere in sight, referee Neil Doyle only produced a yellow card. The decision enraged Doherty and his staff, who were also booked for their furious protests.
Dramatic Late Equalizer and Penalty Heroics
The second half was a more cagey affair until Drogheda began to pile on the pressure. A powerful long-range shot from Kane forced a great save from McGinty, and in the frantic scramble that followed, both Conor Keeley and Andrew Quinn had shots blocked. As the clock ticked into the five minutes of added time, Drogheda threw everything forward. A stunning save from McGinty denied Keeley’s sweetly struck volley, but in the 95th minute, Quinn produced a moment of magic. His overhead kick found the back of the net, sending the game to extra time and sparking wild celebrations among the home support.
After a scoreless extra-time period, the match went to a penalty shootout. For the second consecutive round, Drogheda faced a shootout, but this time, they were on the losing end. McGinty’s heroics, saving penalties from Keeley, Darragh Markey, and Dare Kareem, secured a 4-5 victory for Shamrock Rovers, keeping their dream of a first league and cup double in 38 years very much alive.