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Derry City were dumped out of the EA Sports Cup after Declan O'Brien's brace helped Drogheda United advance to the final with a 3-1 victory.

The striker scored his first after a Gerard Doherty error before David McDaid levelled for the hosts.

The Candystripes had several chances to go ahead before fine finishes by David Cassidy and O'Brien sealed the contest.

In the final, holders Drogheda will meet Shamrock Rovers or Sligo Rovers who meet next week in Tallaght.

The Boynesiders completely dominated the opening exchanges and led in the 13th minute thanks to O'Brien's 15th goal of the season.

From a flick on, Doherty dropped into the path of Jason Marks, who hit the bar, before the goalkeeper again dropped for O'Brien to tap home his first of the evening.

Derry levelled after 37 minutes when Thomas Crawley's brilliant curling cross deep from the left fell perfectly for McDaid to get goal side of his marker and volley home from close range.

The hosts had a clear chance to take the lead after the restart when McDaid crossed for the unmarked Rory Patterson who headed tamely wide from five yards.

Drogheda went ahead in the 66th minute when substitute Ryan Brennan's clever through ball set Cassidy racing clear to round Doherty and roll the ball home.

The tie was sealed 10 minutes later when the striker combined with another substitute Gavin Brennan to curl a fine finish in off the inside of the post.

Derry City: Doherty, Madden, S McEleney, Greacen, Crawley, Kavanagh, Molloy, Houston, Duffy, McDaid, Patterson.

Drogheda United: Schlingermann, Daly, Prendergast, McNally, Grimes, Brady, Byrne, O'Conor, Marks, Cassidy, O'Brien.

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin)