Drogheda United 0 - 0 Shelbourne

Alan Matthews career as Drogheda manager got off to a timid start as the Boynesiders were held to a scoreless draw by Shelbourne at United Park on Friday night. With an entirely new squad there is some irony in the fact that the Shels team combined had more appearances between them for Drogheda than the home side itself.

Despite the lack of goals, neither side showed a lack of desire to win the tie, but it was Shels who were left to feel the more aggrieved as they had the lion’s share of possession yet failed to make it count. The opening exchanges were quite brisk, but play was limited to the centre-field as neither side could break down their opponent's defence.

The Dublin side were handed an opportunity within the first ten minutes when Drogheda striker Mick Clarke was caught in possession in defence after being charged down by David Cassidy, however the Shels midfielder spurned the chance.

The visitors were the first to get a shot at goal when a route one ball from Dean Delaney set ex-Drogheda player Dave McAllister through, but the midfielder put his strike over the bar, failing to test Steve Williams in the Drogheda goal.

Drogheda were showing a serious lack of ability to capitalise on set pieces, and although they forced several corners in the first half, they failed to test Delaney in the Shels' goal.

Shels striker Paddy Madden always looked a threat. He hung dangerously in front of the Drogheda goal and almost opened the scoring when he was put through but saw his shot whistle just over the bar. The second half, despite a raft of changes on either side proved to be as competivie and a reinvigorated Shels side seemed more determined to break the home team’s defences.

David Cassidy received the ball on the edge of the Drogheda area, but his attempts to shimmy through the Drogheda defence were quickly closed down.

Drogheda debutant John Paul Kelly started to offer options as he made cutting runs, splitting the Shels defence and his efforts almost paid off as he rounded the keeper but his first touch sent the ball too wide and he was unable to convert.

Another Drogheda old boy Richie Baker came more into his own in the second half and his runs down the right wing gave Shels more width to whip in crosses and on one occasion Drogheda almost failed to clear their lines but the waiting strikers were too slow to react.

As the minutes ticked by Shels were forced to take shots from distance as Drogheda closed down their advances and looked to attack from deep. But neither side found the cutting edge and a stalemate was the final result. However, Drogheda’s ability to keep a clean sheet may be key in their quest for Premier Division survival.