Gary O’Neill strikes twice as Drogheda march on in FAI Cup

Ballynanty Rovers 0 Drogheda United 4

There was never any sign of an FAI Ford Cup shock in Limerick as Drogheda United advanced to the quarter-finals with the minimum of fuss.

With recently installed manager Damien Richardson unavailable to attend due to a prior family engagement assistant Darius Kierans was satisfied with Drogheda's attitude and application in the south west.

“After 10 minutes we settled down and we created numerous chances,” said Kierans.

“The attitude and professionalism of the lads to see out the game was good.”

Ballynanty caused the visitors a few problems before Drogheda settled to their task.

Drogheda eventually scored in the 25th minute courtesy of a sweet goal from Gavan Holohan which owed much to the excellence of Gary O’Neill.

O’Neill delivered a crisp pass to Daire Doyle, who scampered clear on the right before crossing for Holohan to supply the close-range finish.

Holohan added a second on the stroke of half-time with a smashing effort from just inside the area. Two minutes after the restart O’Neill scored following a Gavin Brennan assist and O’Neill netted again on 76 with a splendid strike to seal the deal.

BALLYNANTY ROVERS: McNamara; Hughes, Dunphy, Earls, S Doran (Daly, 66); Purcell, Ryan, McInerney, Hanlon (O'Brien, 66), Radcliffe (B Doran, 60); Brommel.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Schlingermann; Doyle, McNally, McGuigan, Grimes (Kierans, 52); McGlynn (G Brady, 65), Daly (Crowley, 52), Holohan, Brennan; O'Brien, O'Neill.

Referee: K O'Regan (Kerry).