Dundalk defeat disappoints Drogheda manager
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Drogheda United's start to the season has seen the Boynesiders take a solitary point from three games, and last week saw Alan Matthews's side go down 3-0 to their local rivals Dundalk at Oriel Park.
Having held Dundalk to a 0-0 draw pre season and then defeated them in the subsequent penalty shootout, it would not have been beyond the realm of reality for Drogheda to be optimistic about taking something back down the M1 from Dundalk.
“We came away from Oriel Park very disappointed. Going up we were confident that we could get a result, whether it be the full points or just the one. We started the game better, were on the front foot, and were well in the game, before the sending off,” said Matthews.
Kenna’s dismissal just after the quarter hour gave Dundalk and Chris Turner the first of two penalities that played a major part in the away team's downfall, however Matthews admits that before the sending off Drogheda had several good chances but failed to convert.
“I am disappointed with the concession of each of the three goals. For Dundalk’s second, through Darren Mansaram, it appeared that he handled the ball, and the television cameras seemed to pick this up as well,” argues the Drogheda manager.
“At 1-0 down you always feel that you have a chance as it only takes a second to score a goal, and that’s what I was thinking as half-time was approaching. But we conceded a second which meant we were always going to have a big task to overturn the score in the second-half. A few minutes into the second-half though Dundalk grabbed their third through their second penalty of the evening,” he added.
“Giving away the two penalties in the manner that we did was also disappointing, and Dundalk probably won’t get two penalties like that again in one match this season. Overall, I was very disappointed in how the match turned out.”
Drogheda face an even tougher task as they welcome an in-form Bohemians to United Park this Friday and with opportunities to gain points looking scarce, Matthews’ side will need to change things radically.
Having held Dundalk to a 0-0 draw pre season and then defeated them in the subsequent penalty shootout, it would not have been beyond the realm of reality for Drogheda to be optimistic about taking something back down the M1 from Dundalk.
“We came away from Oriel Park very disappointed. Going up we were confident that we could get a result, whether it be the full points or just the one. We started the game better, were on the front foot, and were well in the game, before the sending off,” said Matthews.
Kenna’s dismissal just after the quarter hour gave Dundalk and Chris Turner the first of two penalities that played a major part in the away team's downfall, however Matthews admits that before the sending off Drogheda had several good chances but failed to convert.
“I am disappointed with the concession of each of the three goals. For Dundalk’s second, through Darren Mansaram, it appeared that he handled the ball, and the television cameras seemed to pick this up as well,” argues the Drogheda manager.
“At 1-0 down you always feel that you have a chance as it only takes a second to score a goal, and that’s what I was thinking as half-time was approaching. But we conceded a second which meant we were always going to have a big task to overturn the score in the second-half. A few minutes into the second-half though Dundalk grabbed their third through their second penalty of the evening,” he added.
“Giving away the two penalties in the manner that we did was also disappointing, and Dundalk probably won’t get two penalties like that again in one match this season. Overall, I was very disappointed in how the match turned out.”
Drogheda face an even tougher task as they welcome an in-form Bohemians to United Park this Friday and with opportunities to gain points looking scarce, Matthews’ side will need to change things radically.
About P.J. Murray
P.J. generally covers Drogheda games at HD Park and can generally be found at any Dublin ground when of a loose end on a Friday night. View Full Profile