22-07-2025
Drogheda United face Derry rematch in FAI Cup as squad escape rain in Spain
Needless to say, the management team and players were delighted to be greeted by hot sunshine when they touched down on the Costa Dorada, but manager Kevin Doherty was keen to point out that this is a working trip for his players ahead of their return to league action away to Bohemians on Friday week.
Speaking after the first training session at the resort between Salou and Cambrils, Doherty said: 'Shamrock Rovers were here last year and the facilities are unbelievable. The training pitch is an absolute carpet and we're going to make the most of it.
'We left Dublin in the lashing rain and it's roasting here. It's 28 degrees now at 7.30 in the evening, so we have to tailor the training a bit.
'We did our first session there and we've double sessions then on Tuesday and Wednesday and one on Thursday and Friday - home Saturday.
'Everyone is in good form and the lads are really enjoying it.'
The travelling party included the likes of youngsters Dare Kareem, Scott Brady and Sean McCarthy, but Elicha Ahui and Zishim Bawa stayed back in Ireland due to injury.
'We have a lad here as well who we are having a look at,' Doherty added.
Meanwhile, the squad and management tuned into the FAI Cup third-round draw on Tuesday at lunchtime and Drogheda's reward for beating Crumlin United 5-0 last Friday is an away trip to Derry City in a repeat of last year's final which Drogheda famously won 2-0 in the Aviva Stadium.
The sides have played three times already this season, with the Boynesiders losing the most recent meeting 3-0 at The Brandywell Stadium but drawing 1-1 at Sullivan & Lambe Park and winning 3-1 in the north west back in April.
Speaking before the draw, Doherty said he was satisfied with the performance against Leinster Senior League outfit Crumlin United overall.
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'It was one of those games where we just need to score and then things open up a bit,.
'The lads were patient enough and their keeper made some unbelievable saves, but the main thing was to get through and we did that quite comfortably.
'We all know how special this competition is - we really know! - and we're confident whoever we get in the next round.'
FAI CUp 3rd round draw
Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers
Kerry FC v Cobh Ramblers
Shamrock Rovers v Longford Town
Cork City v Waterford
Salthill Devon v Galway United
St Patrick's Athletic v Shelbourne
Derry City v Drogheda United
Bohemians v Sligo Rovers
(ties to be played week ending Aug 17)
