Bohemians hopes of a first FAI Cup success in 15 years remains alive as Jonathan Afolabi's second half brace dashed Drogheda United’s hopes of a cup upset at Weavers Park.
Kevin Doherty’s side have a habit of accounting for some big names – having beaten Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and St Patrick’s Athletic in the league this year. Against Bohs however, it’s a different story.
The Gypsies secured their fourth win against United this season with thanks to that Afolabi double and Krystian Nowak’s first half opener. Ryan Brennan’s penalty only briefly gave United hope of a first last four appearance in a decade.
Bohs were deserving of their win and the fruits of victory, a step closer to a showpiece Aviva Stadium final and to the trophy that has eluded them since the days of Pat Fenlon’s double winners in 2008.
A cup win could be all the more vital too, given how congested it is in the race for European qualification via the league route. The seven-time winners know Cork City, St Patrick’s Athletic and Galway United await. There are no guarantees here either.
Fresh from his recent international call up, Afolabi returned to domestic affairs by the Boyne and picked up where he left off. His 14th and 15th goals of the season won the day.
Andrew Wogan had already saved superbly from Dylan Connolly and Jordan Flores before Polish defender Nowak scored the lead goal.
Flores’ previous corner deliveries were causing issues and his final one before the break made the breakthrough. Nowak was unmarked to turn in from six yards out.
Their lead lasted just seven minutes in total as Brennan equalised minutes after the restart. He was felled by Flores and Damien MacGraith, correctly, pointed to the spot. Brennan assumed responsibility and didn’t disappoint.
Bohs, though, were the better team throughout and fully deserving of the win. With Afolabi spearheading an attack that included Connolly, Danny Grant and the in-form James Clarke, they simply had too much for the Drogs.
Clarke made his first, a driving run to the edge of the area led to slipping in the striker who curled in. Afolabi won and converted a penalty in the final minute of normal time. Evan Weir was judged to have fouled him.
The 23-year-old’s effort from 12 yards was perfectly executed, nestling in the corner of Wogan’s goal.
Drogheda United: Andrew Wogan; Luke Heeney, Conor Keeley, Evan Weir, Conor Kane (Luke Wade Slater, 84); Gary Deegan, Ryan Brennan; Adam Foley, Darragh Markey, Dayle Rooney; Kyle Robinson (Warren Davis, 69).
Bohemians: James Talbot; Keith Buckley, Krystian Nowak, Kacper Radkowski, Jordan Flores; Adam McDonnell, James McManus (John O’Sullivan, 90+2); Dylan Connolly (Declan McDaid, 76), James Clarke, Daniel Grant (Kris Twardek, 77); Jonathan Afolabi.
Referee: Damien MacGraith
