Zayed strikes give Drogs winning start

HOLDERS Drogheda survived a late rally from Cliftonville to make a winning start to their Setanta Cup campaign at United Park last night.

Last season’s top scorer Eamon Zayed struck in each half to secure the three points for Drogheda against an Irish League side who have lost only once in the league all season.

The Drogs, with just two pre-season games behind them, dominated the early stages but only created one noteworthy chance, an Eamon Zayed header which rose high over the bar.

And from a rare counter attack Cliftonville almost snatched the lead, John Martin forcing a fine reaction save from Mikko Vilmunen after breaking clear of left-back Joe Kendrick.

Gradually, Drogheda began to ask a few questions of the opposition defence, and Keegan shot narrowly wide before Robinson shot straight at Reds keeper John Connolly from point-blank range.

Vilmunen was at full stretch to push Francis Murphy’s curling shot past the upright, but the Drogs deservedly broke the deadlock on 40 minutes from a corner kick, which ended with Brian Shelley’s cross being headed home by Eamon Zayed.

Cliftonville survived another scare before half time when Paul Keegan’s powerful shot smashed off the crossbar via the foot of Murphy.

However, the visitors raised their game after the restart and got back on level terms on 57 minutes, courtesy of a beautifully struck 20-yard free kick by Francis Murphy following Brian Shelley’s foul.

Connolly twice saved from Richie Baker headers as Drogs tried to hit back, and substitute Guy Bates also tested the Cliftonville keeper.

The home side restored their lead on 74 minutes when Baker blasted to the net from six yards following a long ball into the box by Graham Gartland.

And it looked as if victory was secure when Zayed stooped to head Kendrick’s cross past Connolly on 86 minutes. Substitute Mark Holland’s superb volley a minute later set up a grandstand finish, but Drogheda held on for a hard-fought three points.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Vilmunen, Shelley, Tambouras, Gartland, Kendrick, Baker, Robinson, Keegan, Cahill, Zayed, Grant. Subs: Bates for Grant (61min).

CLIFTONVILLE: Connolly, Fleming, Johnston, McAlinden, R Scannell, B Holland, Catney, McMullan, Murphy, C Scannell, Martin. Subs: M Holland for McMullan (66min), O’Connor for Catney (66min), O’Hara for B Holland.

Referee: David Malcolm (Bangor).