Derry City have been crowned FAI Cup champions, winning the trophy for the first time since 2012 after a dominant 4-0 victory over Shelbourne at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon.
There was to be little doubt about the result almost from the first whistle, with Ruaidhrí Higgins' side well on top right from the off.
They took the lead via Jamie McGonigle in the 18th minute, with the forward finishing off an excellent team move.
GOAL - DERRY CITY - 18'
Jamie McGonigle finishes beautifully into the corner, after a brilliant take down and cross from Ryan Graydon
⌨️ Updates: https://t.co/rjEOqnMdKS
📺 Watch: https://t.co/Xi7cV6M409 #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/RGDBBcxd2h— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 13, 2022
Two strikes from Cameron McJannett would follow, with this strike on the hour mark putting the result beyond all doubt.
GOAL - DERRY CITY - 61'
Cameron McJannett guides a cross from a corner to the net and the FAI Cup will surely be heading to the banks of the Foyle this evening
⌨️ Updates: https://t.co/rjEOqo4mZ0
📺 Watch: https://t.co/Xi7cV6v0Y9 #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/KhLpIKnlyI— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 13, 2022
A late penalty from Jordan McEneff would ensure an even more emphatic scoreline.
It is a fantastic day for Derry City, although there were some unsavoury scenes late on in the game.
Shelbourne fans cause trouble at FAI Cup final
With Derry City holding a three goal lead and the game all but over as a contest, some supporters in the Shelbourne end became rather unruly.
They began to throw a number of flares onto the pitch, some of which came very close to hitting Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher.
Gardaí would soon enter the Shelbourne end to reprimand some of the supporters.
Gardai getting involved now behind goal - Shels fans had been throwing flares in direction of pitch and Derry keeper Brian Maher was almost hit by one. Seems to be an ejection or two underway
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) November 13, 2022
What's happening in the Shels end now is an utter disgrace
— Kieran Burke 🏇⚽🎯🏎️🎙️ (@Kieran_B_Sport) November 13, 2022
The most trouble Shels have given Brian Maher all afternoon pic.twitter.com/v7azX6xJgG
— Stephen Bourke (@AnBurcach) November 13, 2022
Shels fans fighting each other now. They’ve lost the plot 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/IMJf0DC29y
— Jack Byrne (@Jackbyrne1890) November 13, 2022
Why you would disrupte a match by throwing things onto to pitch is beyond me. #faicup pic.twitter.com/ATTHWY94KZ
— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) November 13, 2022
While the incident was quickly dealt with by the authorities, it was unfortunate for the final to be marked by such behaviour.
This was a tough end to the season for Shelbourne, who have done extremely well under Damien Duff. They comfortably secured their status in the Premier Division and it was fantastic to see such a young team make a run in the cup.
As for Derry City, they will be hoping that this triumph can act as a catalyst to moving the club to the next level in the seasons ahead. They will certainly have their eyes on a genuine title push in 2023.
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