Byrne rescues Dundalk

Drogheda United 2 Dundalk 2

Drogheda looked to be heading for their third consecutive victory when Mark Griffin’s early goal for the visitors was cancelled out by Tiarnan Mulvenna and then another ex-Dundalk player, Dave Rogers, put the hosts ahead.

But Byrne, recently back from a long-term hamstring injury, had the final say with a sweet strike for Dundalk.

The Lilywhites deservedly went ahead in the 12th minute. Daniel Kearns sent an inviting cross to the near post for Griffin to volley neatly past Stephen Trimble.

Drogs hit back and Alan McNally headed Peter McMahon’s corner against the crossbar. So it was no surprise when Drogs levelled on 42 minutes.

Mulvenna was the instigator with an outrageous dummy in midfield, and the ball was swept wide to Philip Hand. Mulvenna continued his run and lashed Hand’s centre high to the net.

It got better for the Drogs seven minutes into the second half. Quick one-touch passing from Hand and Mulvenna turned defence into attack and Lynch then threaded a pass through to Mark O’Brien who was tripped by Gaynor. Referee Winters pointed to the spot and captain Rogers stepped forward to slot past Cherrie for the lead goal.

Dundalk conjured an equaliser on 76 minutes when the unmarked Byrne chipped over the stranded Trimble.

DROGHEDA: Trimble; Quigley, McNally, Rogers, Hand; Gannon, Lynch, McMahon (M O’Brien 38), Brennan; Mulvenna, Corcoran.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Madden, McHugh, Bennett, Gaynor; Kearns, Bolger, Ward (Maher 62), Quigley; Byrne (Breen 78), Griffin.

Referee: Richie Winter (Dublin).