League Report: Longford Town 1 - 1 Drogheda United

Deniese O’Flaherty reports from Bishopsgate

Longford Town and Drogheda United settled for a share of the spoils on Saturday night as standings at the top of the First Division remain extremely tight.

Town are in fourth after this result while Drogheda Utd moved up into second spot. Three points separate leaders Bray Wanderers and fifth place Cabinteely.

Longford had taken the lead through Rob Manley early on but Drogheda drew level six minutes after the restart through substitute Jordan Adeyemo.

Just four minutes had elapsed when Rob Manley opened the scoring for the Town with his fourth goal of the season and his third in two games.

After that Dylan Grimes had a free that went inches wide in the 11th minute, while Drogheda tried to get back into the game with Mark Doyle coming close.

Manley should’ve doubled Town’s advantage but Drogs keeper David Odumosu made a good save with his feet to deny the player.

Hugh Douglas and Derek Prendergast had chances for Drogs while Town enjoyed a lot of possession but they failed to really test Odumosu again before the break.

Six minutes into the second half, the visitors levelled matters. James Brown played a pinpoint ball over to half-time substitute Adeyemo and he found the back of the net with a fine finish.

Drogheda were a different proposition in the second half. Adeyemo looked lively when he had the ball and eager to get it when he wasn’t in possession.

Aodh Dervin had a stunning shot from distance tipped over the crossbar by Odumosu while a Dylan Grimes corner from the right was fisted away by the Drogs netminder in the 73rd minute.

Both sides tried hard to get a late winner with Town forcing a few corners and down the other end Joe Gorman intercepted Jordan Adeyemo’s ball into the box seven minutes from time.

Longford Town: Lee Steacy; Shane Elworthy, Mick McDonnell, Joe Gorman, Joe Manley; Aodh Dervin, Dean Zambra; Dylan Grimes, Dean Byrne, Adam Evans (Aaron McCabe 82); Rob Manley.

Subs not used: Luke Dennison (gk), Dylan Hand, Niall Barnes, Matthew O’Brien, Karl Chambers, Cathal Warfield.

Booked: Joe Manley (32), Aodh Dervin (74).

Drogheda Utd: David Odumosu; James Brown, Hugh Douglas, Derek Prendergast, Conor Kane; Jake Hyland, Stephen Meaney, Richie O’Farrell (Jordan Adeyemo 46), Mark Hughes, Mark Doyle; Chris Lyons (James Clarke 46).

Booked: Mark Doyle (72), Hugh Douglas (90).

Subs not used: Ross Treacy (gk), Luca Gratzer (gk), Adam Wixted, Killian Phillips, Ryan O’Shea.

Referee: Adriano Reale (Kildare)

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Mark Doyle (Drogheda United).