Drogheda United's last appearance in the Aviva stadium for an FAI Cup final was back in 2013 but they're one step away from returning to Lansdowne Road and defender Luke Heeney can't help but feel it's the least the Louth club's supporters deserve.
Having won 3 out of their last 5 matches, the Drogs are one of the form teams in the League of Ireland and their recent run of good form has propelled them to go seven points ahead of near rivals Dundalk with 8th-place Bohemians only four points ahead of Kevin Doherty's side.
Their recent upturn in form makes the Premier Division side overwhelming favourites ahead of their semi-final tie with first-time semi-finalists Wexford FC.
30 September 2024; Drogheda United's Douglas James Taylor, left, and Luke Heeney with Wexford's Ethan Boyle and Lewis Temple, right, during the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup semi-finals media day at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
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Heeney Aims To Propel In-Form Drogheda United To Aviva Finale
The Boynesiders home form has been a standout reason their recent fortunes have improved as they have began to accumulate points in a bid to avoid automatic relegation to the first division.
Speaking at the media day ahead of the cup semi-final, Drogheda defender Luke Heeney was keen to point out the impact the home crowd have had on their recent results.
I think they're the best fans in the league, consistently week in week out.
They make really good noise especially at home and obviously looking at our home form, it's down to them.
It's a tough ask to assume first division outfit Wexford can put it up to Drogheda but they've also been in good form as they sit in 5th place and currently occupy the final play-off position.
Some may allude to the number of mid-season arrivals that came into Drogheda in the summer transfer window to their improvement. A total of 8 signings where made by Doherty's side.
We were toiling really (before the signings), they really freshened up the place, gave everyone a lift.
I think if you look at our current form, everyone had to lift their game, (everyone) had to take their game to a new level and had to kick on or else you'd find yourself struggling for minutes.
The Drogs are currently brimming with confidence and that can only be a good sign heading into a massive couple of months for the club, Heeney said the difference in the side recently is clear to be seen:
Confidence around the dressing room is good at the minute, it's a good place to be.
There'd be a slight change in mentality since the start of the year, I would say personally anyway, it's chalk and cheese really.
A semi-final win would set up a final against Derry City who comfortably defeated Bohemains 2-0 in the final four to take their place in the Aviva showpiece.
