Drogheda United manager Pete Mahon praised his side’s professionalism after they defeated Cobh Wanderers 5-1 in the second round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup. The Drogs advanced to the quarter-finals of the Cup after doubles from Shane Elworthy a
Drogheda United manager Pete Mahon praised his side’s professionalism after they defeated Cobh Wanderers 5-1 in the second round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup. The Drogs advanced to the quarter-finals of the Cup after doubles from Shane Elworthy and Chris Mulhall while Thomas Byrne netted his first goal for the club leaving Mahon very pleased with the evening’s work. “A thoroughly professional job well done,” was the Dubliner’s assessment post-match. “It was always a potential banana skin but we played really well at times. “We scored the goals and went 3-0 up but the second we slacked off, Cobh scored and could’ve had a second not long after. “I think the fourth and the fifth goals at the end probably put a fairer reflection of the game and we’re delighted to get through.” The Boynesiders had hit the post early on and were denied by some fine saves from Michael Devine before eventually breaking the deadlock with Shane Elworthy heading in much to Mahon’s relief. “Cobh sat in from the off and their goalkeeper made a number of saves for them and I think we may have been getting a little frustrated. "It was a good time to score and I was delighted for Shane Elworthy as he’s been improving every week and tonight he got his rewards.” Goals have been hard to come by for Drogheda this season having failed to score in their last seven games at home though they have now netted a combined nine against Evergreen and Cobh. “I can’t remember the last time we scored at United Park, it’s been that long. To get five in one game, albeit against non-league opposition, should give the lads a lift. "Since Dave Mulcahy has come in, we seem to be more confident and more vocal on the pitch." With Drogheda seemingly set for an immediate return to the First Division, Mahon has emphasised the importance of the Cup as a means of keeping his side’s season going. “We’ve had a bit of a disaster in the league this season if we’re being honest. "There’s been a lot of contributing factors to that but we seem to be over that bad patch now as our performances have been much better the last few weeks. "Our next game will be the quarter-finals in a fortnight so it’s something for everyone at the club to look forward to."
