FAI Cup Final Player Ratings: Dundalk 1 - 1 Shamrock Rovers (Shamrock Rovers win 4-2 on penalties)

Andrew Dempsey reports from the Aviva Stadium

It was a day to remember at the Aviva Stadium for Shamrock Rovers – here’s how we rated both teams during the game.

Dundalk

Gary Rogers 5

Had little to do in the first half but dealt well with what he was threatened with via his positioning. Felled Aaron Greene as Rovers were awarded a late spot-kick, and he was unable to be the hero in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Dane Massey 6

A solid, yet unspectacular display from the former Bray Wanderers full-back – rarely looked in trouble, but like his teammates, he struggled in an attacking sense.  

Sean Gannon 6

Dealt well with Neil Farrugia following the former UCD winger’s introduction. However, his attacking threat was stifled by a multi-faceted Hoops attack.

Daniel Cleary 6



Impressed as ever but he saw his spot-kick saved by Alan Mannus in a tense penalty shootout. Ultimately a solid display but his night will have been soured by his penalty miss

Brian Gartland 7

Written off in many quarters, Brian Gartland turned in a performance of the highest quality for Vinny Perth's side. Ultimately unsucessful with his side - the experienced centre-back proved his worth.  

Sean Murray 5

Was taken off in place of Daniel Kelly after failing to have the desired impact on the game. A difficult evening for the former Watford midfielder.

Jamie McGrath 7



Impressive throughout on the right flank and through the middle as the game wore on – the former St Patrick’s Athletic youngster was lively and sent Mannus the wrong way with a fine penalty in the shootout.

Sean Hoare 6

Always a difficult position to play in, especially with the suspended Chris Shields missing out. However, Hoare did not look out of place.

Michael Duffy 7

Levelled late on for the Lilywhites, but he missed his spot-kick, with his effort thundering off the crossbar. Lively and energetic – with his superb equaliser proving to be one of the few moments of quality in the game.

Robbie Benson 6

Inventive moments of play from the former UCD midfielder helped Dundalk come through a difficult start to the game. Was replaced by John Mountney late into extra-time.

Patrick Hoban 6

Struggled to get going in an attacking sense, being well marshalled by the Hoops defence. Was replaced by Jordan Flores in extra-time.  

Subs

Daniel Kelly 6

His pace added a different emphasis to the game – but, he was well shackled throughout his time on the pitch.

Georgie Kelly 6

Almost nicked it for the Lilywhites in extra-time, but he was unable to see his effort hit the back of the net. Ineffective at times.

Jordan Flores 6

The midfielder came on for Hoban in extra-time – and he found it difficult to make his mark on a red-hot occasion.

John Mountney N/A


Shamrock Rovers: 

Alan Mannus 7

The hero in penalties. Mannus came up trumps when he was needed most as the Hoops made it a night to remember in Dublin 4.

Joey O'Brien 7

Solid, determined and rarely put a foot wrong. Yellow carded for a coming together off the pitch with John Mountney. Scored a brilliant spot-kick.

Roberto Lopes 8

Solid as a rock. Turned in a superb performance to help the Hoops secure their first FAI Cup in 32 years.

Lee Grace 7

Likewise, Grace was superb in the defence for Rovers, even though they were punished for a brief lapse in concentration in the dying seconds of normal time. A colossus.  

Ronan Finn 7 

Typified the hard-working nature of the Hoops starting XI, Finn led from the front as Rovers bridged their 32 year FAI Cup famine. 

Gary O'Neill 8

Rolled home the wining penalty after a fine performance in the middle of the park. Looked assured and confident, and his name will go down in Shamrock Rovers folklore after his penalty heroics.

Aaron McEneff 7

Energetic and powerful, McEneff turned in a strong performance. Scored what looked to be the winner in normal time before his side were pegged back at the death.  

Sean Kavanagh 6

Was replaced by Neil Farrugia in the second half of normal time but he dealt with Dundalk’s Jamie McGrath well up until his withdrawal.

Jack Byrne 6

Quiet enough for his usual standards, but he showed nerves of steel to fire home his penalty in the shootout. Showed his quality at times, but he was well controlled by the Lilywhites rear-guard.

Aaron Greene 6

Taken down for a late penalty that McEneff dispatched. Turned in a typically industrious display, with his running and pressure proving decisive for Stephen Bradley’s side.  

Graham Burke 7

Impressed when given the time on the ball, as seen with the ball sent into Greene that won the penalty for Rovers. Replaced by Greg Bolger in stoppage time of normal time.

Subs

Neil Farrugia 6

Came on for Sean Kavanagh on the hour mark. Showed glimpses of quality but he was often let down by his second touch at times. A useful outlet for the Hoops in an absorbing contest.

Greg Bolger 6

Came on for Graham Burke to try and protect a lead – but it was soon dashed within minutes of his introduction. Used his experience well as the Hoops rode through rocky spells of pressure.

Daniel Lafferty N/A