Dundalk 2 - 2 Drogheda United

There were fireworks before the game and certainly fireworks during it as a scintillating Louth derby finished level at 2-2 at a freezing cold Oriel Park on Thursday evening!

Goals in either half for Drogheda United from Graham Rusk and Ryan Brennan looked to have handed the Boynesiders victory before Dundalk staged a late comeback, scoring twice in a minute via substitute Keith Ward and a penalty from John Dillon, which salvaged a point for the Lilywhites.

Dundalk made two changes from the side that won last time out against UCD with John Mountney and Tiarnan Mulvenna coming in for Keith Ward and Vinny Faherty. For the short journey down the M1, Drogheda United made just one change from their last starting line up with Paul O’Conor dropping to the bench in place of Rusk.

Early on, John Mountney had a shot gathered by visiting netminder Gabriel Sava and Richie Towell’s ambitious effort was also straight at the ‘keeper. But it was Drogheda United who should have scored in the opening 10 minutes.

Some good attacking play from the hosts saw them win a corner and Gavin Brennan’s out-swinger caused panic in the Dundalk defence. Ryan Brennan caught the ball on the volley only to see it come crashing off the crossbar from just inside the box.

Moments later Dundalk could have taken the lead themselves as Darren Meenan picked up the ball after a misplaced pass from Alan Byrne and the winger shot from distance but it went wide of the post.

The visitors began to grow in confidence, though, and they took the lead after 19 minutes. Mark Rossiter brought down Gavin Brennan on the left wing, just outside the box. Eric Foley took the resultant free-kick and Dundalk managed to clear it but only as far as former Oriel Park hero David Cassidy. His driven volley was directed to the net by Rusk from just inside the six yard box, despite suspicions of offside.

Drogheda United continued to press and really should have doubled their lead just before the half hour mark. A weak cross from Ryan Brennan was missed by Dundalk defender Chris Shields and Declan O’Brien’s header was expertly saved by Peter Cherrie in the home goal. Minutes later, O’Brien had another wonderful chance to get on the scoresheet.

A good cross from Cassidy on the right was missed by Rusk in the centre but it fell to ’Fabio’ who could only force his header to the left of the post when it looked easier to score.

Mulvenna had Dundalk’s best chance just before the half-time whistle when he broke through the visitors rear-guard but his shot was skied over the bar from eight yards.

In truth, the Boynesiders should have been out of sight but were just the one goal up at the break.

Gavin Brennan almost caught out Cherrie with a long shot immediately after the break but his effort sailed just over the bar. Dundalk had their first opportunity of the second period when Meenan ventured centrally and his low shot was easily gathered by Sava.

Slightly against the run of play, Drogheda United doubled their lead with 20 minutes remaining. Cassidy played an inch perfect cross to the centre of the box where Ryan Brennan found a gap between Andy Boyle and Cherrie. He got just enough on the ball to direct it to the empty net.

That appeared to be game over for the Lilywhites but in an amazing 60 second spell, they were all square. Substitute Keith Ward curled an excellent free-kick to the net after Meenan was brought down 25 yards from goal. Moments later they equalised.

From the kick-off, Towell played an excellent long ball which found Kurtis Byrne. His quick feet sent Mulvenna away and he was brought down by Alan Byrne. Referee Padraig Sutton had no hesitation pointing to the spot and he also brandished a red card to Byrne. 

Up stepped John Dillon who finished to the net, despite Sava getting a touch to it.

Seconds later Byrne had a chance of his own when he was through on goal but he snatched at the opportunity and the ball went over the bar. John Sullivan had an effort saved well by Sava in injury-time however the visitors held on for a point, despite being value for all three.

Dundalk: Peter Cherrie; Mark Rossiter, Andy Boyle, Chris Shields (John Sullivan 46), Dane Massey; John Dillon, John Mountney (Keith Ward 66), Richie Towell, Darren Meenan (Vinny Faherty 83); Kurtis Byrne; Tiarnan Mulvenna.
Subs not used: Aaron Shanahan (GK), Eoghan Osborne, Patrick Hoban, Stephen McDonnell.

Bookings: Meenan (32), Massey (48), Rossiter (66), Mulvenna (80).

Drogheda United: Gabriel Sava; Stephen Quigley, Alan Byrne, Brian Gannon, Shane Grimes; Ryan Brennan (Paul O'Conor 72), David Cassidy, Eric Foley, Gavin Brennan; Declan O’Brien (Peter Hynes 81), Graham Rusk (Philip Hand 79).
Subs not used: Michael Schlingermann (GK), Alan McNally, Dean Gaynor, Jason Marks.

Bookings: A Byrne (32), Grimes (32).
Sent off: A  Byrne (76).

Referee: Padraig Sutton.

Attendance: 2,198.

Extratime.ie man of the match: David Cassidy (Drogheda United).