Professional job sees Drogs cruise into next round with victory over Crumlin
The chances of the FAI Cup holders falling victim to an upset at the first hurdle were slim to begin with but Drogheda United produced an altogether professional job to see off Crumlin United at Sullivan and Lambe Park and take the first step towards retaining the cup.
Goals from Conor Keeley, Thomas Oluwa, Josh Thomas, Darragh Markey and John O'Sullivan got their cup defence off to the perfect start on an altogether pleasing evening for Kevin Doherty, who demonstrated his intent by selecting a strong XI to take to the field against the non-league outfit.
Thomas appeared as a substitute after almost five months out with a quad injury – scoring a penalty to put United two goals ahead – and John O'Sullivan, on-loan from Shamrock Rovers ensured he had a debut to remember with a late goal of his own.
Conor Keeley had opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time – heading in Owen Lambe's corner - and Thomas Oluwa added to it just two minutes after the restart. Had the game not been over as a contest by that point, there was no way back for Crumlin.
Oluwa's strike was eye-catching – a piledriver from 20 yards, but replays suggested it took a touch on the way past overworked goalkeeper Morgan Daly.
Keeley's opener was his first career FAI Cup goal, surprisingly, but Thomas and O'Sullivan would soon follow suit.
The Welshman, on loan from Swansea City, was fouled by Anthony Kay and slotted the spot kick beyond the goalkeeper himself. Markey made it four from close range soon after.
O'Sullivan only arrived at the club in midweek, a temporary addition to the Drogheda ranks from Shamrock Rovers, and made it a debut to remember with an 85th minute goal. Any one of several United men could have tested sub goalkeeper Ryan Donnelly. O'Sullivan did and beat him.
Doherty's team are enjoying a fine season and a return to the Aviva Stadium in November will surely be in their sights, whatever obstacles the draw throws up. For now though, a trip to Salou for a training camp next week awaits in their immediate future.
DROGHEDA UNITED: Dennison; Quinn, Keeley (Harper-Bailey, 76), Bolger; Lambe, Brennan (Farrell, 59), Heeney (O'Sullivan, 58), Kane (Cruise, 70); Markey; Oluwa, Kareem (Thomas, 59).
CRUMLIN UNITED: Daly (Donnelly, 82); McNeill, MacGabhann, Funge, Friel (Murphy, 63); Whelan, O'Donoghue; Bridgeman (Byrne, 82), Coughlan (O'Meara, 63), Kavanagh; Kay 6 (Lawlor Brennan, 75).
Referee: Oliver Moran
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