Cobh Ramblers beat Dundalk to reach first-ever senior national cup final
Credit: Steve Alfred (ETPhotos)
Cobh Ramblers have reached a national cup final for the first time after knocking holders Dundalk out to set up an EA Sports Cup showdown with Derry City.
Chris Hull's goal 15 minutes from time was enough to see Stephen Henderson's side through in their first national semi-final since an epic four-game FAI Cup battle with Sligo Rovers in 1983.
Stephen Kenny made nine changes – Dylan Connolly and Daniel Cleary the only survivors – from Dundalk's Europa League defeat away to AEK Larnaca on Thursday.
His side still boasted three league winners, as well as the Lithuanian international Karolis Chvedukas, but they came up against an inspired Cobh side at St Colman's Park.
And the possibility of extra time was on the horizon when a square ball through the centre halves found striker Hull, and he tucked the ball past Dundalk keeper Gabriel Sava.
In the second semi-final, Derry faced Sligo for the second time in four days, the Bit o' Red having won 2-1 in the league at the Brandywell on Friday night.
The Candystripes got their revenge at the Showgrounds, Rory Hale's long-distance strike midway through the first half proving to be the only goal of the game.
The final will take place on Saturday, September 15th at a venue to be confirmed.
