Shamrock Rovers stunned unbeaten Bohemians to earn a Carlsberg FAI Cup final date with Derry City following their deserved 2-0 victory over the league leaders in this afternoon's semi-final at Tolka Park. Man of the Match Terry Palmer and James Keddy were the matchwinners with goals on either side of the break to give Liam Buckley's men an unlikely, but fully merited, win against Bohs, who had been favourites to do the double following their outstanding start to the campaign.
The Gypsies, who lead the eircom Premier Division by 10 points, were looking to secure their fourth cup final appearance in a row and the early exchanges suggested they were the more likely to break the deadlock. However, third from bottom Rovers, the most decorated club in the League of Ireland, began to impose themselves on the game and with the front two of Tony Grant and Sean Francis combining well they became the more likely to score.
The Hoops deservedly took the lead three minutes before the break when Greg Costello's corner from the right was met by a powerful header from Palmer that gave Ashley Bayes no chance in the Bohs goal. Shams proceeded to take the game to their opponents in the second-half and they duly doubled their advantage after 58 minutes when a break up the right carved open The Gypsies defence. Tony Grant's cross found Keddy unmarked eight yards out, and the former Derry City man bundled his effort over the line despite the best efforts of Bayes.
That was no more than Liam Buckley's well-drilled side deserved, and Rovers will now face Derry City, conquerors of Cork City in the first semi-final, in the decider in three weeks' time.
The fixture had been considered a high security risk, and although the Gárda presence was no more apparent than normal, rival fans were segregated as they approached the Drumcondra venue. However, that didn't prevent three supporters being arrested for what were described as 'minor skirmishes'.
Filed by Shane Murray
