Adam Foley's 92nd minute goal sent Drogheda United back to the Aviva Stadium for the first time in 11 years - but the Premier Division outfit were pushed all the way by Wexford in an FAI Cup semi-final classic.
It had been 11 years to the day since Drogheda’s last appearance in an FAI Cup semi-final. That match, also at United Park, has gone done in history as one of the most controversial last four ties the competition has ever seen.
Drogheda emerged the victors that day, seeing off rivals Dundalk 1-0, but the game is remembered for referee Anthony Buttimer sending off two Dundalk players inside the opening 30 minutes.
While Damien MacGraith showed no red on this occasion, Doherty was certainly seeing it after his team threw away their advantage after working hard to turn a first half deficit into a lead.
Foley and Douglas James-Taylor cancelled out Aaron Dobbs opener, only for the Wexford striker to net again almost instantly. As extra time loomed, there was a winner and Foley provided it.
The hosts were dealt a serious blow when Frantz Pierrot was forced off after 30 minutes of play. With 11 goals in his league and cup to his name, the departure of the Haitian international was a setback. Foley replaced him.
United were staring, slowly, to impose themselves on the game when the majority of the 2,543 inside the ground were stunned by Wexford’s opener.
Youths had sent a warning just moments before when right back Divin Ismala, on loan from Bohemians, smacked a shot against Drogs defender James Bolger.
Kian Corbally, impressive throughout, and Thomas Oluwa exchanged a one-two in midfield, before the former swept a pass back out to Oluwa. The winger produced a cross to the front post, where Mikie Rowe hooked towards goal. Luke Dennison saved but Dobbs pounced on the loose ball.
The move was superb and deserving of a goal. It was Dobbs' – Wexford's captain for the day – 10th goal of a productive season, but there can be no doubt it was their most important. The sizeable Youths support were hoping it at least would not have been scored in vain.
James Keddy’s decision to replace Rowe with the experienced defender Ethan Boyle was an indicator that the First Division side were looking to hold on to what they had. With Pierrot no longer involved, they might have reasonably felt that was a realistic ambition.
Drogheda came on more after half time but quality, and their renowned intensity, was badly lacking in their play. Ryan Brennan and James-Taylor both had shots that didn’t trouble the away side’s teenager goalkeeper Conor Walsh.
The on-loan Sligo Rovers youngster was beaten 20 minutes into the second half. Elicha Ahui dispossessed Darragh Levingston in midfield and he found James-Taylor, who in turn played in Conor Kane.
The left back’s cross was not adequately cleared and from Andrew Quinn’s wayward shot attempt, Foley instinctively stuck out a leg to find the net.
Drogheda went in front when James-Taylor met Darragh Markey’s corner with a firm header. The lead, however, lasted exactly two minutes.
Again, Wexford benefitted from more superb wing play by Oluwa. He darted in behind Adrew Quinn and delivered a cross that Dobbs bundled into the net. It was fortunate but that’s what Wexford’s luck ended.
Foley made the difference in the end. Ahui’s long throw was flicked by James Bolger and the striker turned it in.
Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Andrew Quinn, David Webster, James Bolger; Elicha Ahui, Ryan Brennan, Shane Farrell (Luke Heeney, 58), Darragh Markey, Conor Kane; Frantz Pierrot, (Adam Foley, 30) Douglas James-Taylor.
Wexford: Conor Walsh; Divin Isamala, Lewis Temple, Cian O’Malley, Sean McHale (James Crawford, 90+4); Luka Lovic (Cian Curtis, 76), Darragh Levingston, Kian Corbally; Mikie Rowe (Ethan Boyle, 55), Adam Dobbs (Kaylem Harnett, 90+4), Thomas Oluwa.
Referee: Damien MacGraith
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