League Report: Drogheda United 6 - 0 Wexford

A Chris Lyons hattrick, a Stephen Meaney brace and a Daibhid Corish own goal saw Drogheda United ease to a 6-0 win over Wexford at United Park on Friday evening.

Mark Doyle was causing Wexford all sorts of problems early on down the left wing and five minutes in he won the ball back, drove into the box but dragged a shot wide as he was seemingly caught in two minds over whether to shoot or play in Chris Lyons.

Drogheda hit the front on 18 minutes as Doyle again won the ball back, this time on the edge of the Wexford box. He cut inside but saw his shot saved by Chambers before Chris Lyons tapped home the rebound from close range.

The Boynesiders lead was doubled three minutes later as Brennan played Lyons in on the right. Lyons looked to cut the ball back for Doyle but Daibhid Corish, trying to clear it, turned the ball into his own net at the near post.

The home side continued to press with Jake Hyland forcing Corey Chambers into a strong save before Stephen Meaney headed into the side netting from the resultant corner.

Sean Roche had Wexford’s first chance of the half, letting the ball run, then looking for the far corner but instead fired over the bar.

Jamie Hollywood played Chris Lyons in on goal just before the half hour mark, only for Corey Chambers to first deny Lyons before then bravely getting down to save from Mark Doyle on the rebound.

Drogheda found their third after the break when Brennan was played in on the left, got his head up and cut the ball back for Meaney who slotted into the far corner.

Lyons was denied his second and Drogheda’s fourth on 71 minutes as he turned his man but saw his shot blocked on the line by Darryl Walsh.

Drogheda netted their fourth of the game three minutes later though as a ball to the back post was met by Luke McNally. His header was parried by Chambers and Meaney fired in from close range.

It was 5-0 three minutes later as Lyons turned 25 yards out and fired an unstoppable strike into the top corner leaving Corey Chambers with no chance.

Drogheda were awarded a penalty on 80 minutes as Mark Doyle ran in on goal and was fouled by Lee Costello who was shown a straight red card.

Chris Lyons stepped up to take the penalty, making no mistake to send Corey Chambers the wrong way from the spot to complete his hattrick.

Drogheda United: Luca Gratzer; James Brown (James Clarke 73’), Kevin Farragher, Luke McNally, Conor Kane; Jamie Hollywood (Luke Heeney 68’), Jake Hyland (C), Sean Brennan (Adam Wixted 75’); Stephen Meaney, Mark Doyle, Chris Lyons.

Unused Subs: Paul Skinner (GK), Luke Gallagher, Cian Kavanagh, Ryan O’Shea.

Wexford: Corey Chambers; Paddy Cahill (C), Daibhid Corish (Stephen Lawless 30’), Lee Costello, Darryl Walsh; Emmet Nugent, Andrew O’Connor, Shane Griffin, Brody Murphy (Nika Arevadze 64’); Conor English (Chris Kenny 58’), Sean Roche.

Unused Subs: Jason McGuire (GK), Andrew Farrell.

Red Card: Lee Costello (80’)

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.

Attendance: 475 (est).

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Chris Lyons (Drogheda United).