Soccer

O’Brien’s brace helps holders Drogheda back into another EA Sports Cup final

Striker in form as visitors shock Derry City at the Brandywell

Drogheda United’s David Cassidy (second right) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring against Derry City at the Brandywell. Phogograph: William Chrerry/Presseye/Inpho
Drogheda United’s David Cassidy (second right) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring against Derry City at the Brandywell. Phogograph: William Chrerry/Presseye/Inpho
Mon Aug 05 2013 - 22:45

Derry City1
Drogheda United3

Declan 'Fabio' O'Brien guided holders, Drogheda United, back into the EA Sports Cup final having netted a brace at the Brandywell last night.

O’Brien broke the deadlock in the 12th minute following a comedy of errors in the home defence.

Derry eventually equalised in the 37th minute when Davy McDaid steered Thomas Crawley’s cross home and teenager Michael Duffy almost put them ahead on the stroke of half-time but his shot went just wide.

Rory Patterson missed a chance to put City in front before David Cassidy put Drogheda ahead in the 65th minute following an inviting pass from substitute, Ryan Brennan. In the 76th minute O'Brien capitalised on Stewart Greacen's slip to fire home and to seal the win.
DERRY CITY: Doherty; Madden, S. McEleney, Greacen, Crawley (McNamee, 65); Kavanagh (Griffin, 70), Molloy, Houston, Duffy; McDaid; Patterson (P. McEleney, 70).
DROGHEDA UTD: Schlingermann; Daly, McNally, Prendergast, Grimes; Brady, Byrne, Cassidy (Hynes, 84), O'Connor (G Brennan, 59), Marks (R Brennan, 59); O'Brien.
Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).