Drogheda United 1 - 3 Dundalk

• Eimear Taaffe
• Sat, May 01 2010


The local Louth derby, always a highlight on the calendar for Drogheda and Dundalk fans alike, even if the fixture is more frequent these days. However, it was Dundalk who came out on top in this tie, by a margin of three goals to one. Garry Breen netted two in the first half to give the visitors the edge, but it was ex-Drogheda United star Ross Gaynor who got the third, putting the game past the Drogs.

Drogheda played a 4-5-1 formation, with Glen Fitzpatrick as a lone striker, perhaps a bit defensive for a home side looking to start well and hoping to gain points from the match. Dundalk set up in the traditional 4-4-2 line up, with the wingers pressing forward with every opportunity.

The away team were in control for the first twenty minutes, as they started the brighter of the sides with Breen chalking his name on the score sheet with just two minutes on the watch. A few minutes later and a miss kick from Neale Fenn fell kindly for Breen, the young defender firing to the net for his second of the match in the 18th minute.

The visitors’ midfield and wingers linked well causing problem after problem for the ever struggling Drogheda defence. A backline which was formidable and influential in the Boynesider’s remaining in the top flight last year; however, the same defence has failed to produce the same fruits this season so far.

Drogheda had their first real chance from a Brian King header in from a free kick. United tried to work the ball forward, yet seemed to be getting nowhere, particularly in the final third. Meanwhile Gaynor, Fenn and Johnny Breen worked well for Dundalk going forward, keeping the home side on their toes.

Johnny Breen tried a long range effort on the half hour; however it did not trouble Paul Murphy in the Drogheda goal. There was little else of note throughout the half, in a game dominated by set pieces; there was numerous free kicks, throw ins and corners, too many to mention.

A half time substitution for the home side with captain Alan McNally being replaced by the youthful Colm Smith, who did himself proud with a great performance throughout the second half. With the change, there was a shift in the team with the back four now lining up as Kendrick, Harris, Tracey and King; with Smith in the midfield.

To the spectators delight the second half began fast and furious, with the play flowing from end to end. The home side attacked, mounting pressure on Dundalk, however there was little made of any ball played into the penalty area. Gareth O’Connor had a shot, which went right and wide, while Paul Crowley tried to flick on a header from a fantastic ball in from winger Brendan McGill, yet his header too high.

This spell was counteracted by Dundalk’s pace. They had superior speed on the field which they used to exploit the flawed Drogheda performance. The Lilywhites had chance after chance, Ross Gaynor with a one-on-one which was saved well by the Drogheda net-minder. Stephen Maher, another going close this time drawing a corner for his efforts but once again producing another fine save from the new goalkeeper at Hunky Dory Park.

King for United played much better in the middle of the park in the latter half, as did his midfield colleague Crowley (who wore a protective face mask, as he is recovering from a nose operation). With 60 minutes on the clock substitute Smith charged forward taking on Liam Burns, who slipped and was deemed by the referee to have handled the ball.

Fitzpatrick and Kendrick stood over the resulting free kick from just outside the penalty area. The left back took the shot and the rebound, which deflected off a Dundalk player, the series ended with the ball going out of play - once again Drogheda failing to convert pressure into goals.

Ardee man Gaynor, seemed determined to make up for previous mistakes and took one of his many opportunities in the game, and carved his name on the score sheet. The score line depicting three nil, to Dundalk. Clearly showing the difference in a team taking their chances, as the match was plentiful for both teams.

McGill out wide for the home side tried to push forward, progressing play, this was somewhat effective, although the winger was subbed on the 80th.

As the game continued, the heads of the players in claret and blue dropped, while the fans began to trickle out - remarks of disappointment and unhappiness, muffled around the ground. These, which have become oh so familiar this season, however the loyal Drogheda fans were given something to cheer when Paul Crowley’s low shot, deflected and sailed into the bottom left hand corner. With the score at 3-1, ‘game on?’ but after 85 minutes of lack lustre and carelessness in front of goal, there was little hope of a comeback for United in the final five minutes.