League Report: Drogheda Utd 0 - 0 Dundalk FC

An unusual Louth derby finished goalless at Weaver's Park as relegated Dundalk waved goodbye to the Premier Division with a spirited display against a Drogheda United side looking forward to a potentially historic fortnight.

Hosts United play in next Sunday's FAI Cup Final against a Derry City side ,who also finished up goalless in their last visit to Weaver's Park, and a relegation Play Off the following week against either Athlone Town or Bray Wanderers. With that in mind, Kevin Doherty made four changes after last week's defeat to Shelbourne- Aaron Harper Bailey, Shane Farrell, Frantz Pierrot and Ryan Brennan all getting the chance to impress in the starting lineup. 

Dundalk ended their Premier Division campaign with an unchanged lineup following their defeat to Shamrock Rovers the previous Sunday and they had they first real chance of the game as Jad Hakiki threaded an angled ball into the left hand channel only for the onrushing Robbie Mahon to be denied by a sliding Ahui block tackle.

On the opposite wing, towering defender Aaron Harper Bailey was making his first league start of the campaign on the left hand side of the three man Drogheda United defence and his long throw ins were a feature of the opening exchanges while his aerial prowess ensured Dundalk’s dangerman Daryl Horgan was kept relatively subdued.

However, his set pieces were a threat and, just past the quarter hour, Aodh Dervin rose well to meet the Galwegian’s corner but his looped effort dropped wide. His teammate, and fellow summer recruit Jad Hakiki went one better a moment later and forced Dennison into a save. The American was relatively untroubled by the long range effort however.

Kevin Doherty’s men gradually forced their way back into proceedings and, with ten minutes left on the clock in the first half, Douglas James-Taylor  nudged a low Shane Farrell cross wide of the far post with Munro rooted to the spot. The Englishman had found the net twice at Oriel Park earlier in the season but failed to add to his impressive account for the season on this occasion.

With Andrew Wogan returning to Stockport County following the end of his loan, this was the local keeper’s last chance to play in front of his home crowd and he replaced Dennison at half time. Adam Foley also took the place of Frantz Pierrot for the second half.

Wogan was only on the field five minutes before Daryl Horgan stung his palms from distance to end a jinking run from the former Republic of Ireland international.

Fellow replacement Foley had Drogheda’s first effort of note in the second half as he stepped inside the Dundalk defence on the angle of the penalty before his effort was deflected behind by Mayowa Animasahun for the first of a flurry of Drogheda United corner kicks which ultimately came to nothing for the home side.

Changes continued to be rung on both sides with Dara Keane, Dundalk native Ryan O'Kane and Academy players Luke Mulligan and TJ Molloy Murray taking to the action for Dundalk, Gary Deegan, Conor Kane and Warren Davis seeing playing time for the home outfit ahead of their busy fortnight of fixtures.

With minutes running out, Dundalk cracked the bar. Eoin Kenny’s crisp effort smacking the woodwork past a sprawling Andrew Wogan after some deft footwork from the Dundalk frontman. Not to be outdone, the home side launched an attack of their own as Warren Davis broke down the Dundalk right but his effort lacked the force to really trouble Ross Munro who was seeking his first clean sheet in the league since June.

After three minutes of injury time, Damien MacGraith’s whistle brought proceedings to an end and Dundalk, with six locals on the field at the end, could begin their rebuilding process for the First Division. Meanwhile their rivals look forward to a fortnight which could potentially see them win the FAI Cup and preserve their Premier Division status. 

Drogheda United: Luke Dennison(Andrew Wogan 46); James Bolger, Aaron Harper Bailey, Andrew Quinn; Elicha Ahui, Ryan Brennan (Gary Deegan 67), Shane Farrell, Luke Heeney, Darragh Markey (Warren Davis 67); Frantz Pierrot (Adam Foley 46), Douglas Taylor (Conor Kane 78).

Subs not used: Aaron McNally, Jack Keaney, Matthew O’Brien, Bridel Bosakani.

Booked: None.

Sent off: None.

Dundalk: Ross Munro; Mayowa Animasahun, Hayden Cann, Sean Keogh, John Mountney; Aodh Dervin (Dara Keane 73) (Luke Mulligan 73), Jad Hakiki, Daryl Horgan, Robert Mahon (Ryan O'Kane 66), Koen Oostenbrink (TJ Molloy-Murray 83); Eoin Kenny.

Subs not used: Felix Goddard, Andrew Boyle, Sean Spaight, Scott Brady, Scott McGill.

Booked: None.

Sent off: None.

Referee: Damian MacGraith

Attendance: 2030

extratime.com Player of the Match: Aaron Harper Bailey