In a dramatic comeback, St Patrick’s Athletic emerged victorious in the FAI Cup final, overturning a deficit to defeat Bohemians 3-1, a spectacle witnessed by a record-breaking 43,811 fans at Aviva Stadium.
The match began with Jonathan Afolabi’s penalty goal for Bohemians, following a foul in the penalty area by Anthony Breslin. Afolabi’s confident execution marked his 20th goal of the season. However, St Pat’s quickly responded with Mark Doyle’s equalizing header in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on Jake Mulraney’s perfectly delivered free-kick.
St Pat’s gained the lead shortly after halftime. A pivotal moment occurred when a free-kick from Mulraney led to a regrettable own goal by Krystian Nowak. The team’s captain, Joe Redmond, was instrumental in this turning point.
Despite several attempts by Bohemians to level the score, including close calls from Jordan Flores and Afolabi, their efforts remained fruitless. Flores’ free-kick hitting the post was particularly notable.
The final nail in the coffin was hammered in by St Pat’s substitute Tommy Lonergan. In the 86th minute, he brilliantly intercepted the ball from Flores and scored, sealing the Saints’ fifth FAI Cup victory and their second in the last three years.
The result has significant implications for European football placements. With St Pat’s already securing a spot in Europe due to their third-place finish in the Premier Division, Shelbourne will now occupy the remaining Europa Conference League slot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FAI Cup Final
Q: What was the final score in the FAI Cup final between St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians?
A: St Patrick’s Athletic won the FAI Cup final with a final score of 3-1 against Bohemians.
Q: Who scored the first goal in the match?
A: Jonathan Afolabi scored the first goal of the match for Bohemians from a penalty kick.
Q: How did St Pat’s equalize?
A: St Pat’s equalized when Mark Doyle headed home a close-range header from Jake Mulraney’s free-kick.
Q: Who scored the own goal for Bohemians?
A: Krystian Nowak scored an own goal for Bohemians, putting St Pat’s ahead.
Q: What was the official attendance at the Aviva Stadium?
A: The official attendance for the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium was 43,811, breaking the previous record of 41,238 set in 1945.
Q: Did St Patrick’s Athletic qualify for European competition with this win?
A: Yes, St Patrick’s Athletic had already secured a place in Europe due to their third-place finish in the Premier Division.
Q: Which team will claim the final Europa Conference League place?
A: Shelbourne will claim the final Europa Conference League place following St Pat’s qualification for Europe.
More about FAI Cup Final
- St Patrick’s Athletic lift FAI Cup
- Bohemians vs. St Patrick’s Athletic match report
- Aviva Stadium
- FAI Cup
- St Patrick’s Athletic
- Bohemians
- Shelbourne FC
1 comment
St Pats came back strong! Bohs had a good try but no win. Big crowd at the stadium. Afolabi with the penalty, good job! ⚽