Paddy Malone, son of the late Jim Malone, presents the Malone Cup to Drogheda after the game, alongside his nephew Cillian Moran
For the eighth time since the competition’s inception in 1997, Dundalk lost out to neighbours Drogheda United in the Jim Malone Cup on penalties.
Just like last year, the Boynesiders retained the competition after winning on spot kicks following a draw.
Last night’s match at United Park finished 1-1, before Drogheda went on to win 5-4 on penalties.
Gavin Brennan had given the home side the lead with a low drive past Peter Cherrie in the 21st minute. Despite plenty of pressure from Dundalk throughout, it looked like that would be enough to secure the win for the Drogs before Daryl Horgan popped up with a header in the 92nd minute to send the game to penalties.
In the end it was Michael Schlingerman who was the hero as he saved Daryl Horgan’s spot kick to ensure Dundalk have only won the competition twice in their history.
The two sides will meet again next month in the Airtricity Premier Division opener, also at United Park.
Dundalk: Peter Cherrie, Sean Gannon (Simon Kelly 73), Dane Massey, Mark Rossiter, Brian Gartland, Chris Shields (Ruaidhri Higgins 61), Stephen O’Donnell, John Mountney (Richie Towell 61), Darren Meenan, Kurtis Byrne (Patrick Hoban 61), David McMillan (Marc Griffin 73)
