FAI Cup Report: Drogheda United 2-1 Sligo Rovers

Drogheda United recovered from a half time deficit at home to reach the next round of the FAI Cup after a 2-1 home win against Sligo Rovers. Trailing to a Max Matapenalty, they scored twice via Adam Foley and Ryan Brennan to win out. They will be hopeful of a decent draw to allow them a long run in the cup.

It is the end of the road for their opponents though. They had gained the lead via a penalty from Max Mata in the first half, but found themselves dragged back by their opponents. The loss of Daniel Lafferty to a red card along with a penalty award proving to be the key moment.   

There was just one change from either lineup following important league wins last weekend. For Sligo, Frank Liivak came in ahead of Will Fitzgerald who had picked up an injury. Kyle McDonagh made his first appearance in the matchday squad, while Gary Buckley returned after a long-term injury. Luke Wade Slater made his first appearance on the bench for Drogheda after his recent signing. 

It was a fast and frantic opening that saw a booking apiece in the opening ten minutes. The first opportunity came to the home side when Darragh Noone combined with Luke Heeney who delivered it into Ryan Brennan who chested it down for Dayle Rooney. His shot was saved by Luke McNicholas who gathered at the second attempt. McNicholas then stopped from Adam Foley as he was left unmarked at the back post. 

Sligo had been under pressure but managed to fashion a chance of their own. Johan Brannefalk strode forward from the back to deliver a cross towards in-form Max Mata. Andrew Wogan was able to claim it before the striker made contact with it. 

Brennan had a chance flagged offside while Stefan Radosavljevic saw his effort blocked by Conor Keeley as the action continued to go back and forth. Rooney should have given Drogs the lead after Foley cut it back for him. He was only able to shoot wide from a few yards out. 

Just before the break, it was Sligo who struck for the lead. Radosavljevic did well to burst into the penalty area before he was taken down by Gary Deegan. Mata stepped up to slot the penalty home for the lead goal.

Drogheda came back out after the break and continued to search for the equaliser. Foley got wide to deliver another cross into the box to have it met by a late run by Darragh Markey. He succeeded in only heading over though.

They were not to be denied for long and Foley was the man to provide it. Rooney crossed to the back post where Foley was unmarked. McNicholas was able to save the initial effort but the striker was alive to the rebound to land the equaliser. 

Rooney went close to landing one via a free kick that went just over before Sligo almost went back in front. Brannefalk swung in a corner was knocked down by Mahon into the path of Nando Pijnaker who saw his effort cleared off the line. It may have struck a post also. 

The match was still in the balance until the incident that saw the home side awarded a penalty and Sligo reduced to ten men. Danny Lafferty was adjudged to have struck substitute Kyle Robinson in the box. Brennan stepped up to put the Drogs ahead for the first time in the match. 

Sligo tried desperately for the equaliser in the closing minutes. Wogan showed his bravery to claim the ball ahead of Mata who seemed poised to head home. 

Despite five extra minutes, it was Drogheda who advanced to the next round. It could give them extra drive for their relegation battle for the rest of the season. Sligo are left to concentrate on their own struggles in the league. It will be round two for each side when they play each other in the league next Friday at the same venue at 19.45.   

Drogheda United: Andrew Wogan; Emmanuel Adegboyega, Conor Keeley, Evan Weir; Ryan Brennan, Gary Deegan, Adam Foley, Darragh Markey, Dayle Rooney; Luke Heeney, Darragh Noone (Kyle Robinson 76).

Subs not used: Colin McCabe, Jamie Egan, Aaron McNally, Luke Wade-Slater, Emre Topcu, Warren Davis, Matthew O'Brien, Michael Leddy.

Booked: Emmanuel Adegboyega (1), Ryan Brennan (90).

Sent off: None.

Sligo Rovers: Luke McNicholas; Johan Brannefalk, Daniel Lafferty, John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker; Kailin Barlow (Garry Buckley 70), Greg Bolger, Frank Liivak (Pedro Martelo 70), Niall Morahan; Max Mata, Stefan Radosavljevic.

Subs not used: Richard Brush, Conor Walsh, Conor Reynolds, Kyle McDonagh, Lukas Browning, David Cawley, Owen Elding.

Booked: Daniel Lafferty (8), John Mahon (67), Daniel Lafferty (78), Max Mata (90).

Sent off: Daniel Lafferty (78).

Referee: David Dunne

extratime.com Player of the Match: Adam Foley