Tommy Healy reports from Gannon Park
Drogheda United eased into the last eight of the Leinster Senior Cup following a victory over Malahide United.
Two goals from substitute Bridel Bosakani as well as a penalty from Matthew O’Brien and a well placed strike from Killian Cailloce saw the visitors take all three points.
A Karl Sheppard free kick and Gavin Murphy header brought the junior side level twice.
Drogheda were looking to finish the group stage strong after winning against local rivals Dundalk on Friday night.
Early chances from Warren Davis and Killian Cailloce set the tone for the first 45 minutes.
A defence-splitting pass from Matthew O’Brien played Jim Malone Cup hero Warren Davis in on goal, who was brought down by Malahide keeper Brian Kane inside the area.
This time Davis would not get to take the penalty, and O’Brien would step up to the spot. He nestled the ball into the bottom left corner to give the Boynesiders the lead.
Malahide grew into the game and striker Stephen Cleary had a well-taken shot on goal saved by Ryan Maher.
On his debut, new Drogheda signing Dave Webster made a crucial block to keep his team in front.
Early in the second half, promising youth player Emre Topcu played a perfect pass to captain Luke Heeney whose effort narrowly flew over the crossbar.
Malahide began to get a foothold in the game, pressing the Drogheda back line and drawing corners.
Sheppard was fouled inside the Drogs half and decided to take it himself. His effort from long range swerved in the wind, flying past the diving hand of Ryan Maher.
Immediately from kick-off, 18-year-old Killian Cailloce brought down a ball from midfield, took another touch to drag the keeper out, and slotted in past him to restore the Premier Division side’s lead.
The home side almost drew level again shortly after, when Maher had to rush to a back pass, his clearance was blocked by Jordan Briggs sending the ball over the bar.
The hosts would get their second equaliser when Karl Sheppard’s corner was turned in by Gavin Murphy’s glancing header.
An already youthful Drogheda United team gave opportunities to more young players, with Bridel Bosakani, Evan Haddock and Altay Guneyer coming off the bench.
Guneyer had a mid-range effort on target, smothered by Kane in the Malahide goal.
Bosakani had the most impact on the game. Matthew O’Brien swung in a corner which Andrew Quinn headed down to Bosakani who flicked it to put Drogheda in front for the third time.
The young forward got his second of the game, when intelligent link-up play between Topcu and Cailloce, resulted in Luke Heeney darting down the right wing to place a cross to the path of Bosakani who converted into an empty net.
They move on to the quarter-finals of the Leinster Senior Cup after topping Group A.
