Drogheda United 2 - 3 UCD

Drogheda United tumbled out of the 2011 EA Sports Cup after being beaten by three goals to two by UCD at Hunky Dory Park on Monday night.

UCD showed their composure to comeback from 2-1 down at half time and win it almost on the full time whistle with a goal from defender Michael Leahy. The first half was a pretty even affair although it was the visitors who looked the more likely to score. And with the students' attack showing more merit it was unsurprising that it was UCD who opened the scoring.

The opening goal of the game came on 14 minutes courtesy of Samir Belhout after some good link up play with Robbie Creevy and UCD remained in control until the 36th minute when the home side equalised against the run of play. Sean Skelly and Dinny Corcoran were involved in the build-up but it was Darragh McNamara with the finish from close range to level the scores.

Minutes later, after a bizarre foul by the UCD ‘keeper Mark McGinley, it was advantage Drogheda. A free kick from the boot of Philip Hand on the left was met beautifully by the head of Brian Gannon, the United captain hammering home a header to put Drogheda into the lead.

With just six minutes until the break Drogheda held the initiative and the ‘students’ were left bemused as referee, Damien Hancock, sounded the half time whistle as they were in mid attack, inside the United penalty area.

The second half kicked off in earnest, with both sides playing well. On 52 minutes, Robbie Benson crossed for his namesake Robbie Creevy who struck a sweet ball into the back of David Quirke’s goal. Once again the contest was tied and it really was anybody’s game.

Russell’s men were on top for much of the second half, as they created chance after chance although they could be criticised for the amount of opportunities missed. Drogheda fed of scraps of possession and failed to pose any real danger in front of goal, arguably the story of their season so far.

That said, Cillian Thompson and Sean Skelly looked lively and showed considerable promise for the County Louth side, one of the few positives which could be taken from the event.

As the clock ticked on extra time was looming but there would be a sting in the tail. After a UCD corner (their 14th of the game) was swung outward, missing everyone, Robbie Benson was waiting on the right reading the play well. Bensons’ ball back in to the danger area was met by defender Michael Leahy who netted the games fifth goal, UCD’s third, sealing the victory for the ‘students’.

All things considered it was a well deserved victory for the College, who outplayed the opposition throughout the match. Looking ahead, the signs aren't good for Mick Cooke and his team, however scoring a couple of much needed goals may spur them provide some degree of confidence going forward. A five goal frenzy it was not but, nevertheless, UCD progress to the quarter finals of the 2011 EA Sports Cup.

Drogheda United: David Quirke; Mark Nolan, Brian Gannon, Victor Ekanem, Philip Hand; Mark O’Brien, Cillian Thompson, Sean Skelly, Ronan McEnteggart; Darragh McNamara (David Freeman, 70), Dinny Corcoran (Darragh Hanaphy, 70).
Subs not used:  Steven Trimble, Colin O’Brien, Jack Kierans, Ger Sweetman, Stephen Quigley.
Bookings: Corcoran (59), Hand (62), McEnteggart (79).

UCD: Mark McGinley; Sean Harding, David O’Connor, Mick Leahy, Ciaran Nangle; Paul Corry, Robbie Creevy, Sean Russell (Dean Marshall, 70), Darren Meenan; Samir Belhout (Graham Rusk, 61), Robbie Benson.
Subs not used: Ger Barron, Danny Fallon, Mark Langtry, Paul O’Conor, Daniel Ledwith.
Bookings: Meenan (86).

Referee: Damien Hancock.
Attendance: 200 (estimate).
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Samir Belhout. He was an ever present threat and netted an important goal.