Coyle the hero as Derry City lift FAI Cup

Derry City 1 Shamrock Rovers 0

Derry City 1 Shamrock Rovers 0

Liam Coyle wrote himself into Derry City folklore this afternoon when his strike earned the Candystripes their first FAI Cup title since 1985 as they defeated Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park.

Coyle pounced on a mis-directed Ciaran Martyn shot to volley the ball past Tony O'Dowd in the Rovers' goal just 90 seconds after the half-time break.

Coyle's strike was enough to claim the title although both teams created numerous chances in a thrilling showpiece.

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Indeed, David Kelly, playing the lastgame of a distinguished career, could have doubled Derry's advantage two minutes later but with an open goal beckoning, he somehow contrived to screw his effort wide.

Derry lived dangerously in the closing stages as Rovers went all-out for an equaliser but some fine play from golakeeper Alan Gough and heroics in the Candystripes defence, including a Shane Robinson clearance off his own line, helped seal a famous win.