Jonathan Afolabi double sends Bohemians into FAI Cup semis

Drogheda United 1 Bohemians 3

Bohemians hopes of long-awaited cup glory remain intact as Drogheda United were seen off in the only all-Premier Division tie of the quarter-final stage.

Declan Devine’s team bounced back from their Dublin derby defeat a week earlier by moving a step closer to their second final appearance in three seasons. They fully merited the victory - a fourth against Drogheda in all competitions this year.

Jonathan Afolabi’s third and fourth goals in this season’s competition secured Bohs place in the last four. Chasing a first FAI Cup win in 15 years is high on their list of priorities, especially given qualification for Europe via a league finish is far from a certainty at this point.

Their cup final heartbreak at the hands of St Patrick’s Athletic too seasons ago is fresh in the mind too, especially for the approximately 650 Bohs supporters who arrived at Weavers Park in full voice and with hopes high.

Polish defender Krystian Nowak put the visitors in front shortly before the break. Jordan Flores had been delivering dangerous set-pieces throughout the opening 45 minutes. This one dropped perfectly for Nowak to help into the net.

Teenage goalkeeper Andrew Wogan had earlier been twice called upon to save superbly from Dylan Connolly and Flores as Bohs produced a first half display which fully warranted that lead goal. Drogheda’s attacking threat was sporadic and ultimately harmless enough.

However, Declan Devine’s side only led for seven minutes in total. Referee Damien MacGraith handed United a lifeline. Flores took down Ryan Brennan in the box. The Drogheda native sent James Talbot the wrong way and the penalty into the top corner.

If Bohs lead was short-lived, so too was Drogheda’s parity.