Match Report: Drogheda United 2 - 1 Dundalk FC

It was a case of the Bank Holiday blues for Dundalk as their trip to Weaver’s Park saw Drogheda United record a 2-1 victory courtesy of second half strikes from Frantz Pierrot and Hayden Cann which sandwiched a Jamie Gullan free kick.

Drogheda United's Kevin Doherty responded to Friday night’s defeat in Inchicore by showing faith in the same starting lineup for the visit of their local rivals while Dundalk’s management made a brace of changes with the suspended Zak Bradshaw being replaced by Hayden Muller while Koen Oostenbrink, who limped off in Friday’s draw to Shelbourne, missed out with Paul Doyle dropping into the engine room.

Early on, Haitian striker Frantz Pierrot, who recently opened his Premier Division account against Derry City at the same ground, was proving a handful for the Dundalk defence- his physical prowess keeping Andy Boyle and Zak Johnson on their toes all afternoon.

However, the first chance for the home side was all down to the aggression of their skipper Gary Deegan who snapped into a challenge in midfield to set Darragh Markey on his way. The number 7 slipped in Adam Foley to his right and his first time effort was comfortable for ex Nottingham Forest Academy keeper George Shelvey to hold, dropping to his right.

Deegan’s combative nature almost caused him an early departure late in the first half as a swinging elbow during an aerial challenge was deemed worthy of a yellow card from referee Rob Harvey with fans home and away disagreeing with each other and the decision.

The visiting Lilywhites had a couple of efforts of their own but home netminder Jethren Barr remained relatively untroubled throughout the half save a mysterious injury suffered moments before the end of the first period which swiftly cleared up following a few words from the management to the rest of the Drogheda players who had flocked to the dugout. With the Boynesiders having engaged in an unfortunate habit of conceding close to the end of the first half of late the South African’s demise may cynically have been described as timely.

Having seen out the half without conceding, Drogheda flew out of the traps in the second half and took the lead with less than ten minutes on the clock- Pierrot capitalising on a loose Dundalk touch, as they tried to pass their way out of defence, to curl the ball into the net beyond an exposed Shelvey with a finish very similar to that against Derry City a couple of weeks previous.

Buoyed by the goal, the home side dominated the next passage of the game with plenty of possession and a number of half chances which came to nothing. However, they were almost made to pay for their profligacy as Luke Heeney slid in behind Barr to ensure Jamie Gullan’s effort didn’t cross the goal line after the Scottish striker found space in the penalty area.

Dundalk rolled the dice with twenty minutes to go and brought on Cami Elliott at the expense of skipper John Mountney. Within moments the Scot had made his mark as he drifted between defenders to collect a loose ball before being clattered by Barr standing just outside his box. The unfortunate keeper was injured in the tackle and left the field with the medical staff’s support and a red card from Rob Harvey. 

It was double delight for the Dundalk defence as Frantz Pierrot was the player sacrificed to make way for Andrew Wogan to take his place between the sticks. However the youngster had barely set up his wall before Jamie Gullan cracked a low effort in off the post to tie up the scores with a little over ten minutes remaining. The Scot’s third goal of the campaign- all from set pieces. 

All of a sudden the tables had turned and it looked like only one side would win this game- both benches seemed to agree as Dundalk took off left back Hayden Muller for winger Ryan O’Kane trying to turn a single point into three and Drogheda swapped the dimunite attacking frame of Darragh Markey for the hulking midfield presence of Oisin Gallagher in a case of what we have we hold.

When fourth official Oliver Moran signalled for ten minutes of additional time, it only added  to this view. However, Drogheda had other views and centre half Hayden Cann slammed the ball to the net from close range after Evan Weir’s free kick from wide landed at his feet.

Cue bedlam in Weaver’s Park as the sound of the ecstatic home fans saw their team through the final six minutes to a victory which now sees five points between the rivals at the bottom of the table with over a third of the season gone.  

Drogheda United: Jethren Barr; Hayden Cann, Luke Heeney, Conor Kane, Andrew Quinn, Evan Weir; Ryan Brennan, Warren Davis (Aaron McNally 66), Gary Deegan, Adam Foley; Frantz Pierrot (Andrew Wogan 77).

Subs not used: David Webster, Jack Keaney, Zishim Bawa, Matthew O’Brien, Darragh Markey, Killian Cailloce.

Booked: Gary Deegan (38), Andrew Quinn (76), Adam Foley (90), Ryan Brennan (90).

Sent off: Jethren Barr (74).

Dundalk: George Shelvey; Andrew Boyle, Archie Davies, Zak Johnson, Hayden Muller (Ryan O'Kane 89); Robert Benson, Paul Doyle (Koen Oostenbrink 60), Scott High, Daryl Horgan, John Mountney (Cameron Elliott 73); Jamie Gullan.

Subs not used: Ross Munro, Mayowa Animasahun, Louie Annesley, Samuel Durrant, Eoin Kenny, Sean Keogh.

Booked: Paul Doyle (56), Scott High (90).

Sent off: George Shelvey (90).

Referee: Rob Harvey

Attendance: 2339

extratime.com Player of the Match: Gary Deegan