League Report: Shamrock Rovers 0 - 1 Drogheda United

Chants of 'Sack the board' and 'We want Croly out' greeted the final whistle at Tallaght Stadium tonight after Shamrock Rovers were beaten 1-0 by Drogheda United in the Airtricity Premier League. Gavan Holohan's first half volley gave the Louth club the three points.

The visitors went in front in the 17th minute. Daire Doyle took a long throw from the right and Robert Bayly could only head it in the direction of Gavan Holohan, who controlled it on his chest before his volley from eight yards out came back off the crossbar and went in after coming back off Barry Murphy. 

The Hoops had a half chance to get back on level terms midway through the first half. Sean O'Connor took a corner from the right which eventually reached Conor Kenna at the back post via a deflection, but his header was straight at Michael Schlingermann.

There was a lot of tension among the home fans throughout the match and things nearly went from bad to worse for their side just before the interval. Shane Grimes played it to Gary O' Neill who then picked out Carl Walshe. Walshe's shot was saved by Barry Murphy but the rebound eventually fell to Holohan at the back post. His effort was on target but once again Murphy made the save. 

Five minutes into the second half Drogheda threatened again. Gavin Brennan played a wonderful ball into the six yard box with his left foot but none of his team mates were there to get on the end of it. 

Gary McCabe had a couple of opportunities for the home team just after the hour mark. His first chance came about after Evan Osam played it inside to the Rover's number seven. McCabe's effort from the edge of the area was on target but Schlingermann dived to his right to make the save.

Then, just a couple of minutes later, McCabe's shot from about 25 yards out was struck with force but the Drogheda goalkeeper parried it to safety.

Darius Kieran's side defended very well throughout and it wasn't until four minutes from the end of normal time that the home team created their best chance of the second half. Conor Kenna's cross was headed into the path of Karl Sheppard by Ciaran Kilduff. Kilduff's shot going in but once again the impressive Schlingermann was there to make the save.

After a late free kick from McCabe failed to trouble Schlingermann referee Graham Kelly blew the final whistle. There were boos from the home fans as Shamrock Rover's title hopes were dealt a major blow. The win for Drogheda means that they have moved up to eighth in the table. 

Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy; Simon Madden, Conor Kenna, Jason McGuinness, Evan Osam; Robert Bayly, Shane Robinson (Kieran Marty Waters 39); Gary McCabe, Ronan Finn, Sean O' Connor (Ciaran Kilduff 54); Dean Kelly (Karl Sheppard 67).
Subs not used: Craig Hyland (gk), David O'Connor, Luke Byrne, Ryan Brennan.

Booked: Dean Kelly (31).

Drogheda United: Michael Schlingermann; Daire Doyle, Alan McNally, Ciaran McGuigan, Shane Grimes; Gavan Holohan, Michael Daly; Cathal Brady (Sean O' Connor 78), Carl Wlashe, Gavin Brennan; Gary O'Neill (Declan O'Brien 80).
Subs not used: Dylan Connelly (gk), Rory Kierans, Fionn Reilly, Ciaran O' Connor,  Dominic Mahon.

Booked: Holohan (73), Schlingermann (83).

Referee: Graham Kelly

Attendance: 2,097

Extratime.ie man of the match: Michael Schlingermann (Drogheda United).