A hat-trick from Rory Patterson in a comfortable 5-0 victory over Drogheda United in their quarter-final replay at Brandywell tonight earned Derry City a place in the FAI Cup semi-finals.
Further goals from Patrick McEleney and Michael Duffy keeps Derry on course to win the competition they last won in 2012.
McEleney fired City in front in the sixth minute with his ninth goal of the season – a brilliant strike from 20 yards.
Despite being in total control, City had to wait until the 60th minute for a second – Rory Patterson scoring his 16th goal of the season when put through by Stephen Dooley.
Duffy secured the win 10 minutes later when he sprinted clear to pick his spot.
Patterson added his second of the night 10 minutes from time and completed his hat-trick in the dying minutes when his free-kick was deflected off the wall past the Drogheda keeper.
A North West derby final remains a possibility as City’s near neighbours Finn Harps play Avondale in their quarter-final replay at Finn Park tomorrow night.
Already into the last four are Shamrock Rovers, who defeated 2-1 Dundalk in their quarter-final replay at Oriel Park last night, and St Patrick’s Athletic who defeated Bohemians on Friday night.
Tags: