Relegated Dundalk surge to FAI Cup joy

Two goals from Garry Haylock enabled brave Dundalk FC to shrug off the disappointment of relegation from Ireland's National League by coming from behind to win the FAI Cup final against holders Bohemian FC on Sunday.

O'Connor's carbon copy
Tony O'Connor, who had not scored since the previous year's final, found the net again to put Bohemians ahead on 39 minutes, cutting in from the right and driving a low, left-footed effort past Dundalk keeper John Connolly.

Quick reply
But Bohemians let Dundalk back into the game and five minutes later the relegated team found themselves back on level terms. Haylock, a cup winner with Shelbourne FC in 1993, collected a low cross from David Hoey with his right foot and span away from goal before sweeping a left-footed effort high past a disgruntled Wayne Russell in the Bohemians goal.

Haylock double
Five minutes after half-time, Haylock struck again, stabbing home from close range after Russell had failed to collect a Stephen McGuinness header.

Bad to worse
Things went from bad to worse for Bohemians, who had Simon Webb dismissed for a professional foul 15 minutes from time. Then, despite a spell of strong pressure, they failed to find an equaliser.

UEFA Cup chance
But Dundalk, only the second side to win the cup and be relegated in the same season, can look forward to the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Cup this summer after their first FAI Cup success since 1988.