FAI Cup final player ratings

Luke Dennison 7

The Californian was on the bench for Bohemians’ final defeat 12 months ago but played a big role here, in particular to deny Danny Mullen with a smart save in the first half.

Andrew Quinn 8

Wrote his name into the history books with a fine finish at the back post for the opener on 37 minutes. The Dunshaughlin man also did his defensive duties with some key tackles to secure the clean sheet.

David Webster 8

The 35-year-old’s first cup final before he hangs his boots up this winter. Imposing shift from the heart of defence and strong in the air when Derry went for the jugular late on.

James Bolger 7

Showed confidence to step out from the back three and get his side forward. A fabulous header tested Brian Maher but he was flagged offside. Made some key tackles to quell danger.

Elicha Ahui 8

The right wing-back imposed himself on the ground and in the air, winning two battles with Michael Duffy to set the tone for an excellent display. The 20-year-old won player of the match.

Shane Farrell 8

Had a day to forget with Shelbourne here in 2022 but this will be one to remember. The midfielder’s set-piece deliveries caused Derry big problems - most notably to assist Quinn’s opening strike. Made way for Luke Heeney.

Ryan Brennan 7

Good performance in the engine room from the skipper. Was patched up after a clash of heads but recovered to lead his side to a historic triumph.

Conor Kane 7

A good day’s work from the left wing-back, making a decisive impact to win a second-half penalty. Good work to get into the final third and performed his defensive duties with aplomb too.

Darragh Markey 7

An energetic display from the 27-year-old who struck just wide on 25 minutes. A lot of Drogheda’s forward play came through him. Chipped in with tackles at the back also.

Frantz Pierrot 6

The Haiti international worked hard and put himself about but the striker just couldn’t find the final killer touch he was looking for before he came off for Adam Foley.

Douglas James-Taylor 8

Kept his cool from the spot to double his side’s lead and make it seven goals in five cup games. Worked tirelessly all day as some good hold-up play helped get Drogheda going.

Manager 8

Kevin Doherty stuck with the same XI from the semi-final as his side upset the odds to beat the favourites. The cup is heading back up the M1 for the first time in 19 years and Europe beckons. A deserved victory.

Substitutions 7

Pierrot (67 minutes) made way for semi-final hero Foley while Heeney replaced Farrell (73). That did the trick as Drogheda saw it out to clinch a second cup in their history. Gary Deegan (90) made a late cameo too.

DERRY CITY RATINGS

Brian Maher 6

Was well beaten for Quinn’s opener and went the wrong way for the spot-kick, but the Raheny man was otherwise solid in the air and with the ball at his feet.

Ronan Boyce 5

The right-back allowed Kane in behind on a few too many occasions and his error on 57 minutes proved fatal as he fouled the full-back to gift Drogheda a penalty which they converted. Replaced by Pat Hoban.

Mark Connolly 5

A superb early challenge from the Clones man to deny Pierrot set the tone but he will be disappointed to have allowed Quinn in so easily at the back post for the opener.

Shane McEleney 6

A survivor from Derry’s 2012 triumph, there was to be no third cup win for the 33-year-old here despite a solid performance from left centre-half.

Andre Wisdom 6

The ex-Liverpool summer arrival helped get the Candystripes forward by stepping out from left-back. Did well to keep James-Taylor quiet for the most part before making way for Jacob Davenport.

Sadou Diallo 6

Worked a sweet one-two with Patrick McEleney on the half-hour mark but the Manchester City academy product should have done better to test Dennison from close range.

Adam O’Reilly 5

The midfielder had a better first half than second but couldn’t find the spark. Worked hard and helped out at the back.

Paul McMullan 5

The right winger almost earned a first-half assist when he did well to set up Mullen’s big chance. Made a limited impact after that as Sean Robertson came in for him.

Patrick McEleney 5

Some superb deliveries helped get Derry in behind but his final came to an abrupt end due to a concussion before the break. Will Patching replaced the captain but didn’t make the impact he would have liked.

Michael Duffy 5

Hopes were high for the left winger after a brace in the semi-final but this was a day to forget. After cup goals against Bohs, Shelbourne and St Pat’s, he struggled to make an impact here.

Danny Mullen 5

Almost found the opener with a clever flick on 27 minutes but found chances few and far between afterwards as the centre-forward made way for Colm Whelan.

Manager 5

This was a chance for Derry to put their bitter league disappointment behind them but it was just more heartbreak for Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men after a poor showing. The Candystripes also miss out on Europe for 2025.

Substitutions 5

Whelan and Robertson (56) barely had time to make an impact as Drogheda hit their second moments later. Club top scorer Hoban (65) came on, as did Davenport (82), but neither could pull a goal back.