Shels and Drogs battle to hard-fought draw

Both sides went into the clash desperately seeking a win. They had matching records of one win in their last seven games.

Damien Duff was back in the dugout for Shelbourne after serving a suspension. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Shelbourne 0 Drogheda United 0 

Shels and Drogheda couldn't be separated in a bruising battle with a genuine derby feel at a balmy Tolka Park.

Despite their best efforts it was a point apiece for two sides who will feel as if they left chances to win on the field.

The champions, who welcomed back Damien Duff to the dugout, were desperate to bounce back from Friday’s costly defeat to rivals Bohemians, in which they lost their skipper Mark Coyle and Ali Coote to dismissals. They showed no signs of a hangover early on.

A flowing move down the right side eventually saw Harry Wood cross to the back post to James Norris. The on-loan Liverpool full-back cushioned a header to Ellis Chapman, whose first time strike was bravely blocked by Elicha Ahui who threw his body in the way.

The Drogs, who have been enjoying the tussle at the opposite end of the table than most would have predicted, had been unbeaten against the hosts this season with a win and a draw and defended resolutely.

They began to grow in confidence and almost took the lead themselves when Conor Kearns misjudged Elicha Ahui's cross, that luckily for the Shels stopper trickled just wide.

Both sides went into the clash desperately seeking a win - with matching records of one win in their last seven games - and there was nothing to separate the sides as the half developed.

The home side were dealt a blow when Conor Kearns seemed to pick up a knock after his error, appearing to receive treatment on his calf.

But despite the loss it was the home side who finished the half the stronger with Harry Wood having three chances in quick succession. The first of which the Englishman showed great movement to get on the end of Tyreke Wilson’s deep cross, but saw the flick towards goal go agonisingly close.

The start of the second half followed the same pattern as the first ended as Shels looked to pin back the FAI Cup winners but just lacked a cutting edge in the final third with the final killer ball lacking.

Kevin Doherty’s side sent a quick reminder of the threat they possessed when Douglas James-Taylor got a free run to get on the end of Owen Lambe’s outswinging corner but failed to hit the target.

Another long ball from Dennison caused all sorts of confusion for Shels defence with the towering Andrew Quinn winning a header before the ball was eventually scrambled away.

The tension was palpable as the game entered the dying embers, with one goal looking like it would be enough for either side. With time running out, James-Taylor was brilliantly denied by Healy having shown excellent feet to twist and turn inside the area.

There was still time for substitute Thomas Oluwa to show his power and pace getting in behind to round the onrushing Healy who forced him wide before saving low and on the rebound, the busy Markey failed to get his shot through a sea of bodies in the box as it remained 0-0.

SHELBOURNE: Conor Kearns (Lorcan Healy, 29’); Sean Gannnon, Kameron Ledwidge, Tyreke Wilson; Evan Caffrey, Ellis Chapman, JJ Lunney (John Martin 7, 65’), Kerr McInroy, James Norris (Ryan O’Kane, 72’); Harry Wood (John O’Sullivan, 72’), Mipo Odubeko 

DROGHEDA UNITED: Luke Dennison; Owen Lambe, Elicha Ahui, Conor Keely, Andrew Quinn, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan, Luke Heeney, Shane Farrell (Darragh Markey, 74'); Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa, 72’), Douglas James-Taylor 

Referee: Rob Hennessy