- Conor Cantwell
- Fri, May 05 2023
Conor Cantwell reports from Weaver's Park.
Derry City continues their impressive away form with a 1-0 victory against Drogheda United at a raucous Weaver's Park.
The game's deciding factor was a first-half strike from Derry City midfielder Adam O'Reilly, who found the net from outside the Drogheda United penalty area after early pressure from the home team.
Freddie Draper had multiple chances in the second half to equalize, but Derry City's goalkeeper, Brian Maher, delivered a fantastic performance to maintain their lead.
Drogheda United began the game stronger, putting intense pressure on Derry City's midfield. Darragh Markey and Dylan Grimes proved to be a nuisance for the visiting team.
Drogheda started this game similarly to their match against Dundalk, latching onto second balls and frustrating Derry City in the opening ten minutes. However, just like in their game against Dundalk, Drogheda conceded the first goal.
Jordan McEneff set up the opening goal, delicately touching the ball to Adam O'Reilly on the edge of the box. O'Reilly then smashed the ball past the keeper at his near post.
McEneff and O'Reilly almost combined again minutes later when McEneff's cross found O'Reilly in the box. However, O'Reilly's header went just wide of the Drogheda goal.
The Boynesiders appeared to be the better team when the game was more frantic, but a Derry counter-attack led by McEneff created another chance on Derry's left side.
McEneff cut the ball back for Michael Duffy on the edge of the Drogheda United box, but as the ball evaded Duffy, O'Reilly read the play well and took a shot on goal. His effort was expertly blocked by Drogheda United center back, Conor Keeley.
Drogheda improved late in the first half and created their best chance up to that point.
Ryan Brennan's outside-of-the-foot pass for Draper caught the Derry City defense off guard. Draper's lofted shot flew past Maher in the Derry goal but was denied by the crossbar.
In the second half, Drogheda was more assertive and appeared more likely to score.
Darragh Markey weaved his way through the Derry defense early in the second half and lifted a ball for Freddie Draper. However, Draper's header was tame and didn't trouble the Derry goalkeeper.
Aaron McNally posed a threat going forward from left-back, delivering several dangerous crosses into the Derry City area. The first of these was directed towards the Derry goal by Draper but lacked power.
McNally and Draper combined again to create another nervy moment for the traveling fans, but the Drogheda striker's glancing header went narrowly wide of the Derry goal.
Aside from a well-struck volley by Sadou Diallo from outside the home team's penalty area, Derry created few chances in the second half.
In the 75th minute, Markey lofted the ball for Draper just outside the six-yard box, but Maher brilliantly saved his header. Draper was left disappointed not to have scored.
Three minutes into injury time, Maher was called into action again when he bravely dealt with a goalmouth scramble before the danger was cleared.
This was the last chance for the home team to equalize before the full-time whistle blew.
This win on the road puts Derry City at 17 points away from home this season. Ruaidhri Higgins will be delighted with the victory but will seek a performance similar to their first half today when they travel to Dalymount Park for their next game against top-of-the-table Bohemians.
For Drogheda, it's another commendable performance with nothing to show for it. On a different day, Drogheda could have salvaged a point or even snatched a win. There are many positives to take from this game, but Kevin Doherty will be frustrated with the result once again.
Drogheda United will travel to Inchicore for their next match against St. Patrick's Athletic.
Drogheda United: Colin McCabe; Emmanuel Adegboyega, Elicha Ahiu (Luke Heeney 22), Conor Keeley (Warren Davis 74), Aaron McNally; Ryan Brennan, Gary Deegan, Dylan Grimes (Adam Foley 61), Darragh Markey, Dayle Rooney; Freddie Draper.
Subs not used: Fiachra Pagel, Andrew Wogan, Emre Topcu, Michael Leddy.
Booked: Freddie Draper (45), Emmanuel Adegboyega (80), Luke Heeney (90).
Sent off: None.
Derry City: Brian Maher; Ciaran Coll, Ben Doherty, Shane McEleney, Cameron McJannet; Sadou Diallo, Michael Duffy (Ronan Boyce 88), Ryan Graydon (Oliver O'Neill 74), Jordan McEneff (Will Patching 64), Adam O'Reilly; Cian Kavanagh (Jamie McGonigle 74).
Subs not used: Tadhg Ryan, Liam Mullan, Brandon Kavanagh, Matthew Ward, Sean Patton.
Booked: Shane McEleney (51), Sadou Diallo (54).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Damien MacGraith
Attendance: 1,200 (estimate)
extratime.com Player of the Match: Jordan McEneff
