FAI Cup final: Drogheda United stun below-par Derry City in Aviva Stadium decider

It was a slow start to the game from both sides, with the pre-match nerves seeming to seep into action on the pitch in a scrappy first 25 minutes.

Drogheda, who came into the game as underdogs, were first to fashion a clear-cut opportunity on 26 minutes.

Elicha Ahui’s long throw fell to Darragh Markey on the edge of the box and his deflected strike was palmed away by Brian Maher.

A minute later, Derry City went close as Paul McMullan fired in a low cross which Danny Mullan met with an improvised flick, but Luke Dennison was equal to the effort.

The Candystripes continued to threaten as Sadou Diallo played a neat exchange of passes with Patrick McEleney in the box, but his low shot lacked the power to trouble Dennison.

Michael Duffy was then inches away from getting on the end of an inviting ball into the box from McEleney as Derry continued to grow into the game.

They were hit by a sucker punch on 37 minutes as they were undone from a set piece.

Shane Farrell delivered a deep free-kick to Andrew Quinn at the back post, who beat Mark Connolly to the ball and calmly tucked home at the near post to spark jubilant scenes in front of the Drogs end.