It’s time to look ahead to the FAI Cup final – and we’ve decided to sit down with a rising star who’s faced both finalists on a few occasions thsi year to try and figure out who will prevail!
Drogheda United’s young goalkeeper, Andrew Wogan, has become a sensation in his debut season with the first team. SportingPaddy.com’s Richie Russell caught up with Wogan to discuss his reflections on the past season, his aspirations for the future, and, most importantly, his insights into the upcoming FAI Cup Final between St. Patrick’s Athletic (Pat’s) and Bohemians.
Q1: Evaluating the Season: SP: Your first season with Drogheda United’s first team has concluded. How would you sum up the experience?
Wogan: It was a positive season. Considering we are the only part-time team in the league, our performances were commendable. Adjusting to the intensity took some time, but I enjoyed the pressure of every game mattering.
Q2: Anticipating the Future: SP: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?
Wogan: I’m looking forward to it. Despite the challenges of facing full-time teams, we believe we can build on our performance. The new ownership with the Trivela Group brings a promising plan for Drogheda’s future.
Q3: Juggling Club and Country: SP: You’re also part of the Ireland Under 19 squad. How does that compare to your club experience?
Wogan: It’s a different dynamic playing with peers and facing top talents. The pressure is different from senior football, but the experience has been fantastic. We’re heading to Albania for qualifiers, facing tough opponents, and we hope to progress.
Q4: Emotions within the Under 19 Squad: SP: Some of your Under 19 squad mates are playing for Bohs and Pat’s. Will they be joining you after the FAI Cup final?
Wogan: Yes, Adam Murphy from Pat’s and James McManus from Bohs will join after the final. It’s going to be a mix of disappointment and joy on that flight.
Q5-6: Analyzing the FAI Cup Final: SP: Having faced both Bohs and Pat’s this season, which team presented a greater challenge?
Wogan: Our record suggests Bohs were tougher – we actually beat Pats twice, whilst we lost twice to Bohs and drew once. However Pat’s have serious quality. Bohs might be the better team overall, but Pat’s, especially under John Daly, have shown more consistency.
SP: Identifying Bohs’ threats and countering them?
Wogan: Afolabi is the main threat, with James Clarke and Dylan Connolly adding to the danger. Pat’s center halves need to stay tight on Afolabi, and countering Connolly’s speed requires a solid left back.
Q7-8: Impact Players and Managerial Edge: SP: Who are the star players for Pat’s, and how would you neutralise them?
Wogan: Chris Forrester, Sam Curtis, and Kian Leavy are their key threats. Closing down space for Forrester is pivotal. In terms of management, I’d currently give the edge to John Daly, who revitalized Pat’s mid-season.
Q9-10: Personal Preferences and a Bold Prediction: SP: Your preference for the winner, and why?
Wogan: I’d like to see Bohs win. Despite their underperformance this season, they are exhilarating when on form. Their passionate fan base and the prospect of European qualification make them the choice – they need to win this one to qualify for Europe, whilst Pat’s have already qualified -t that might give them the extra edge. Additionally, avenging the 2021 penalty defeat to Pat’s adds some extra motivation.
SP: The moment of truth – a score prediction?
Wogan: I believe Bohs will clinch it, perhaps even taking it to penalties. Expect goals, with a possible 2-1 victory for Bohs or a triumph in the shootout!
The FAI Cup Final takes place this Sunday at 3pm.