Louth derby spoils for Drogs

PHILIP Hand’s magnificent 35-yard free-kick secured Drogheda United their first top-flight win over Dundalk in 13 years and ended their Louth rivals’ long unbeaten home record at Oriel Park on Friday night.

Huge controversy came on 20 minutes as Daniel Corcoran’s long-range effort was stopped by keeper Peter Cherrie but the ball bounced back goalwards and appeared to cross the line. However, with lineswoman Rhona Daly behind play, the officials decided not to award the goal.

Just four minutes later, though, there was no doubt about Corcoran’s effort crossing the line as, with Cherrie advancing into a clutter of bodies, he rose in the box to head a Hand free-kick from halfway into an empty net.

Dundalk had a huge penalty shout on the stroke of half-time, as Mark Griffin was felled but referee Tom Connolly never flinched.

On 48 minutes, Hand’s fantastic free-kick from range found the top corner. Corcoran was then denied a third by Cherrie.

Kearns got a late goal back for Dundalk but Drogheda held on for three points.

DUNDALK: Cherrie 6, Madden 6, Hawkins 6, Guthrie 6 (Breen 87), Gaynor 6, Kearns 6, Bennett 6 (Duffy 90, 6), Bolger 6, Quigley 6, Griffin 7, Ward 6 (N Murphy 33, 6).

DROGHEDA UNITED: Trimble 7, Nolan 6 (Thompson 90+2, 6), McNally, 7, Ekanem, 7, Hand 7, Quigley 6, M O’Brien 6, Gannon 6, Freeman 6, Corcoran 7, Mulvenna 7 (Hanaphy 70, 6).

Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).