Drogheda United 2-1 Sligo Rovers, EA Sports Cup semi-final

DROGHEDA UNITED WILL contest the EA Sports Cup final for the first time in 28 years this season after seeing off Sligo Rovers with a 2-1 win at Hunky Dorys Park this afternoon.

The sides, who currently hold the top two spots in the Aitricity League Premier Division, only met in the league on Saturday evening when the Bit O’Red recorded a comprehensive 4-1 victory over their opponents at the Showgrounds.

However, less than 48 hours later, it was the Drogs who prevailed thanks to goals from Gavin Brennan and Tiarnan Mulvenna.

Sligo goalkeeper Richard Brush was called into action on a couple of occasions during the opening exchanges while Danny Ventre shot just wide on 17 minutes for the visitors.

Midfielder Brennan, who has been one of United’s best performers this season, then broke the deadlock after 26 minutes when he latched onto the end of a Stephen Quigley cross to the back post with a well-timed volley.

Just three minutes later, Mick Cooke’s side doubled their lead. Neither Seamus Conneely nor Jeff Henderson read the bounce of a long ball and Mulvenna was on hand to fire home.

On the hour mark, Rovers halved the deficit through Lee Lynch – the midfielder finishing off a superb move involving Rafa Cretaro and Ryan Connelly.

Despite going in search of an equaliser, Drogheda held out for an historic win and will find out who their opponents are tonight when Shamrock Rovers and First Division side Limerick clash in the other semi-final.

Drogheda United: Sava, Quigley, McNally, Gannon, Byrne, Hand, Foley, G Brennan, S Brennan, T Mulvenna, Hynes. Subs: R Brennan (48), Prendergast (66), O’Brien (83)

Sligo Rovers: Brush, Keane, Henderson, Davoren, Conneely, Ventre, Quigley, Lynch, Connelly, Cretaro, Boco. Subs: Millien (75).