Watch: Gerard Doherty saves a late penalty as Derry City beat Cobh Ramblers to lift the EA Sports Cup

Derry City got their hands on a record eleventh League Cup title as they saw off the challenge of First Division Cobh Ramlers to be crowned EA Sports Cup champions for 2018.

Goals from Ronan Hale, Darren Cole and Aaron McEneff helped the Candystripes to a 3-1 win afer Chris Hull had levelled for the Rams in the first half.

Derry keeper Gerard Doherty saved a late penalty to keep the home side's two-goal lead intact and there were scenes of euphoria at full time when a first trophy in five years was confirmed.

Ireland under-21 international Ronan Hale opened the scoring midway through the first half as he pounced on a mistake from James McSweeney before beating Adam Mylod at his near post.

Derry's lead was to last just two minutes, however, as Kevin Taylor sent a low ball across the box and Hull was on hand to bundle home despite the efforts of Cole.

The Candystripes got their noses back in front ten minutes after the break when Cole met Ben Fisk's corner with a bullet header that Adam Mylod couldn't keep out.

And they all but sealed the win 18 minutes from time as McEneff converted from 12 yards after Jamie McDonagh had been shoved over in the box by Ian Mylod.



There was to be late drama, however, as Cole tripped David Hurley in the box, but Gerard Doherty got down low to his right to save Shane O'Connor's penalty to keep it at 3-1.

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