FAI Cup medals for Gary and Greg

Two FAI Cup medals are on the way to the Royal County tonight after Gary Rogers and Greg Sloggett helped Dundalk to a thrilling 4-2 extra-time victory in the 100th decider at the Aviva Stadium.

Dundalk trailed Shamrock Rovers in the second-half but rallied to lead 2-1 before conceding an equaliser that forced extra-time during which they scored twice to seal victory.

Bohermeen man Rogers played through the pain barrier with an injured shoulder as he pulled off a number of crucial saves and helped the Louth side to maintain a great record of winning silverware since he joined in 2015.

Rogers has had a 21-year stint in the League of Ireland playing at the top level.

Gormanston man Sloggett signed for Dundalk this season from Derry City and has made a big impact in his debut campaign.

His father Eric is from Fulham (London) while his mother (Fiona) is from Drybridge (Drogheda) and while he signed for Dundalk this season, he arrived at Oriel Park in a somewhat circuitous route.

The route from Gormanston was via Balbriggan (Glebe North), Drumcondra (Home Farm), Whitehall (St Kevin's Boys), Belfield (UCD) and Derry.

The night was a historic occasion also as it produced a hat-trick for David McMillian who joins an elite group of players (two) to have scored three goals in the decider.

Up until around 9pm tonight the last man to score a hat-trick was Dunboyne man John Ryan for Bray Wanderers in what was the first FAI Cup final at what was at that time Lansdowne Road.

Prior to that the feat was achieved by Miah Dennehy for Cork Hibs at Dalymount Park.

Although it was the last game of the season, it's not Dundalk's final game and they will be back in action at the Aviva in the final group game of the Europa League against Arsenal.

Then the focus will turn to the 2021 season.

NEXT UP

Thursday 10th December - Dundalk v Arsenal, 5.55pm, Europa League.