Drogheda United upset neighbours Dundalk again

JUMPING FOR JOY: Drogheda United celebrates after the game. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Drogheda United 2 Dundalk 1

Drogheda United held on as Dundalk pushed late in the game to progress into the third round of the FAI Cup at the expense of their neighbours on an evening when tensions were high and security was plentiful.

Goals in either half from debutant James Bolger and Warren Davis ensured a rare win for Drogheda. It doesn’t help their league predicament but will act as a boost nevertheless.

Getting one over on the old rivals isn’t something that can ever be sniffed at either, regardless of the competition.

After last week’s violent clashes on the pitch at Oriel Park, an increased Garda presence was visible. They kept the peace and the game passed off without major incident.

James Bolger, a mid-season signing from Swedish side Bodens, gave United an early lead. From Luke Heeney’s deep cross, he produced a first time, cushioned sidefoot attempt.

With the ball dropping towards the top corner, Felix Goddard - making only his second appearance in between the posts for the Lilywhites - bizarrely attempted to claim it one-handedly. He failed, with both ball and red-faced goalkeeper ending up in the net.

There weren’t many clear cut opportunities aside from that in a first half that Dundalk grew into. In fact goalkeeper Luke Dennison, signed from Bohemians last week, hadn’t a save to make by the time Damien MacGraith blew his whistle for half time.

Davis was only on the pitch for three minutes when he scored to double the lead. It was dreadful defending from Dundalk’s perspective, failing to deal with a route one goal kick. It was allowed to bounce and the youngster finished smartly.

Bobby Faulkner’s first goal in Irish football offered Dundalk brief hope in injury time but they couldn’t muster a leveller. Jon Daly, last year’s cup winning manager with St Patrick’s Athletic, won’t enjoy similar success this year at least.

Drogheda United: Dennison; Quinn, Webster, Bolger (Keaney, 80); Ahui, Heeney, Brennan, Farrell (Davis, 70), Kane; Pierrot (Foley, 65), James-Taylor.

Dundalk: Goddard; Mountney, Faulkner, Animasahun, Keogh (Garbutt, 67); Benson (Elliott, 83), McGill; Horgan, Hakiki (Dervin, 67) O’Kane (Kenny, 76); Gullan (Pike, 83).

Referee: Damien MacGraith