Drogheda United 0-0 Cobh Ramblers
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Cobh Ramblers earned what could yet be a crucial point in their relegation battle on Tuesday night at United Park. The result leaves Drogheda's hopes of catching third placed Derry in serious doubt - they have now failed to beat the leagues bottom two sides in successive home games in the space of five days.
Visiting keeper James McCarthy pulled off a fine penalty save from Shane Robinson fifteen minutes from time. Earlier in the second half, referee Neil Doyle turned down Cobhs appeals for a spot kick when Graham Gartland seemed to bundle Ross Gaynor to the ground.
The first half was a dull enough affair, with few attempts on target. Shane Robinson, playing in a centre midfield role, had a weak header easily saved by James McCarthy, while Eamon Zayed had a shot saved ten minutes before the break after Gartland had provided the assist. Cobh's Davin O'Neill, playing upfront due to the absence of the injured Daryl Kavanagh, tested the home keeper with a powerful shot.
Right on the stoke of half time McCarthy ensured the sides went in for the break on level terms. Ollie Cahill, in the "D" just outside the penalty box, slipped a clever ball to his left for Zayed. The former Bray striker rolled his marker before bringing the ball on to his left foot. McCarthy was quick off his line to narrow the angles, and made a fine save to deny the striker that had scored six goals in his last six games.
Robinson got free on the right just after the restart and made his way towards the byline. He looked to put the ball into the danger area for a team-mate, but wasn't able to wrap his foot around the ball fully, and nearly caught McCarthy out at his near post.
A minute later Ross Gaynor, a Co Louth native, had an attempt from twenty yards well saved by Ewings. And Gaynor could have very easily been awarded a penalty when Cobh next attacked. Gartland looked to bundle him over in the box, but Referee Neil Doyle wasn't interested.
Shane Guthrie needed to clear the ball off the line on the hour mark, after Richie Baker made a mess of a gilt edged opportunity, six yards out. Zayed should have done better when from twelve yards he smacked a volley off the underside of the crossbar - the rebound fell kindly for the reigning champions, but McCarthy blocked that and then smothered the ball.
Fifteen minutes from time Drogheda were awarded a penalty when Kenny Coleman handled a goalward header from Baker - but McCarthy made a fantastic save from Robinson, low down to his left.
Drogheda United: Jamie Ewings; Brian Shelley, Shaun Maher, Graham Gartland, Joe Kendrick (Sami Ristila 83); Richie Baker, Paul Keegan, Shane Robinson, Ollie Cahill; Fahrudin Kuduzovic (Adam Hughes 59), Eamon Zayed.
Subs not used: Paul Skinner, John Tambouras, Ibrahim Thiam Iyane.
Booked: Baker.
Cobh Ramblers: James McCarthy; Alan Carey, Shane Guthrie, Kevin Murray, John Meade; Ken Coleman, Greg O'Halloran, Colin O'Brien, Michael Mulconry; Ross Gaynor, Davin O'Neill.
Subs not used: Ray Lally, Alan Kearney, John Kearney, Conor Meade, Graham Cummins.
Booked: None.
Referee: Neil Doyle.
Attendance: 1,000 (estimate).
