Andy Lyons grabbed a late winner for the second time in the space of just three days as Shamrock Rovers maintained their quest for a league and cup double with victory over Drogheda United.
United brought the game to extra-time courtesy of Dean Williams' second-half equaliser, cancelling out Sean Gannon’s early goal.
The hosts had fully earned the draw after 90 minutes, ending the game in the ascendency as Rovers’ eight-week European exploits looked to be taking their toll.
However, after an uneventful first 15 minutes of extra-time, the team from Tallaght produced the necessary quality to win the game and progress to the last eight.
Sub Justin Ferizaj certainly played his part but Lyons’ eight goal of a continually eye-catching season sealed it.
The final name into the https://t.co/Y3qcguWUqx FAI Men's Cup Quarter Final draw...
— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) August 28, 2022
The draw will be broadcast live on @GameOn2FM from 6:10pm on Tuesday and on FAI TV.
Just eight remain 🏆@ExtraIRL | #FAICup pic.twitter.com/Ue8rJwkROZ
Kevin Doherty couldn't call upon Shamrock Rovers loanee Darragh Nugent so Darragh Noone made a first start for the club in his stead. Former Rovers midfielder Ryan Brennan, who scored the winner against his old club in May, missed a second straight game through injury.
Bradley had the luxury of making seven changes to his line-up from the Europa League second leg win over Ferencvaros on Thursday. Goalscorer Lyons, goalkeeper Leon Pohls Watts, Aaron Greene and the fit-again Jack Byrne were among the introductions to a line-up that underlined both Rovers' unparalleled strength in depth and intention to progress in the cup competition.
Gannon’s opener arrived with just four minutes played. United goalkeeper Colin McCabe aired his fury at a static defence that reacted slowly when he saved from Rory Gaffney.
The striker pounced quicker than any defender and squared the loose ball for Gannon who fired in from six yards out. An ex-Dundalk stalwart, his goal was especially hard for the home fans to stomach.
McCabe saved well from Jack Byrne and held a Dylan Watts strike as Rovers threatened to overwhelm the home side. But, often slow starters, Drogheda grew into things. Darragh Markey and Dean Williams had half chances as the Drogs bared their teeth somewhat.
The leveller arrived when Rovers failed to properly clear a United corner. Evan Weir fed Dylan Grimes and his low cross was turned in smartly by Williams. That said, stand-in goalkeeper Leon Pohls should have kept it out.
McCabe saved again from Watts as Rovers hit back but it never appeared inevitable, or even likely, either side would grab a winner in normal time. The same applied for an uneventful first 15 minutes of extra time too. Only Aidomo Emakhu’s challenge on Luke Heeney raised the temperature. He was booked.
Lyons goal was superb. Ferizaj’s ball forward found the wing back making an inward run from his position on the left. A lucky bounce off Andrew Quinnn helped the ball fall kindly into his stride. He beat Keith Cowan and then curled a shot into the bottom corner. McCabe was helpless but did stop Emakhu inflicting further damage late on.
Drogheda United: Colin McCabe; Georgie Poynton, Andrew Quinn, Keith Cowan, Evan Weir; Gary Deegan, Darragh Noone (Luke Heeney, 93); Dylan Grimes, Darragh Markey, Dayle Rooney (Adam Foley, 90+3); Dean Williams (Chris Lyons, 97).
Shamrock Rovers: Leon Pohls; Sean Hoare (Richard Towell, 99), Daniel Cleary, Lee Grace; Sean Gannon (Neil Farrugia, 61), Dylan Watts, Gary O’Neill, Jack Byrne (Justin Ferizaj, 61), Andy Lyons; Aaron Greene (Aidomo Emakhu, 61), Rory Gaffney.
Referee: Neil Doyle
