Shamrock Rovers lead in the FAI Cup final! https://t.co/3OeMqqfxm4 pic.twitter.com/7XMiB6KBNF — Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 3, 2019 However, the Tallaght club were unable to see the game out. Duffy equalized in the 93rd minute with a superb left-footed volley after Patrick Hoban's cross fell kindly to him in the box, sending the final to extra time.
INCREDIBLE! Michael Duffy, with a moment of absolute brilliance, rescues Dundalk with seconds to go. It's extra-time in the FAI Cup final! https://t.co/3OeMqqfxm4 #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/xUIo5yws7V — Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 3, 2019 There were few chances in extra time as both teams tired. Lee Grace's header from Byrne's excellent delivery cleared the Dundalk crossbar, before Lilywhites substitute Georgie Kelly almost snatched a late winner, forcing Mannus to push a low strike around the post. Both sides were forced to settle for penalties, which were taken at the end with the Rovers fans behind the goals. Duffy took the first penalty of the shootout, but his driven effort crashed back off the crossbar. Byrne scored Rovers' first penalty, before Mannus made a good save to deny defender Cleary from Dundalk's second spot kick. Hoops defender Joey O'Brien made it 2-0 to the Dublin club, before McGrath coolly slotted past Mannus. Greg Bolger converted Rovers' third successful penalty, with Jordan Flores also finding the net for Vinny Perth's men to keep Dundalk in it. The decisive fourth penalty fell to O'Neill, who joined Bradley's men mid-season from UCD. O'Neill sent Rogers the wrong way to seal a 4-2 shootout win, and Shamrock Rovers' first FAI Cup triumph since 1987. It is also the first trophy of Bradley's tenure. Finn - playing against his old cup - lifted the cup in the stands. Dundalk: Rogers, Gannon, Gartland, Cleary, Massey; Hoare (G Kelly 90); McGrath, Benson (Mountney 111), Murray (D Kelly 61), Duffy; Hoban (Flores 99) Shamrock Rovers: Mannus, O'Brien, Lopes, Grace; Finn, O'Neill, McEneff, Kavanagh (Farrugia 68); Byrne; Burke (Bolger 90), Greene (Lafferty 110)
The wait is over. Shamrock Rovers have won the #FAICup https://t.co/3OeMqqfxm4 #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/6VbiC2O47g — Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 3, 2019