Derry City’s hopes of playing in Europe next season now rely on Sligo Rovers winning the FAI Cup.
Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny.
Derry are currently in fourth place in the league, a position good enough if Rovers go all the way. They play Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup semi-final which kicks off in 20 minutes time.
Derry would also have qualified in fourth place for the Europa Cup if Dundalk had won the cup but Stephen Kenny’s side’s hopes were dashed this afternoon when they were beaten 1-0 by Drogheda United in a dramatic semi-final at Hunky Dory Park.
The game took a massive swing in Drogheda’s favour in the first half when Dundalk had two men sent off within three minutes of each other.
Dundalk’s Darren Meenan was given a straight red card for a rash challenge in the 28th minute and he was followed to the dressing by Chris Shields three minutes later after he was for a late tackle inside the penalty box, a spot kick converted by Gavin Brennan.
Derry are three points clear of fifth-placed Shamrock Rovers and can extend their league to six if they defeat the Dubliners in the Brandywell on Saturday next.
If successful against Rovers, Derry would require only one point to secure fourth place.
However, all their efforts to gain a European qualifying spot will be in vain if Sligo fail to win the FAI Cup.
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