Superb Kareem strike inspires Drogheda to vital win over Shels

Just as it was in his first start against Galway in July, Dare Kareem’s selection reaped reward for Drogheda.

Drogheda's Dare Kareem celebrates scoring his opening goal against Shelbourne. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Clohessy

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Drogheda United 2 Shelbourne 1

Drogheda United re-energised their bid for European qualification by beating Shelbourne at Sullivan & Lambe Park, inflicting their second defeat of the season on the reigning champions at a crucial point of the campaign.

A superb Dare Kareem opener and Evan Caffrey’s own goal condemned Shelbourne to a defeat that constitutes a major setback for them. Harry Wood’s late reply was mere consolation.

Drogheda were undefeated in the three previous meetings of the sides in the Premier Division this season and extending that sequence would at least ensure parity with Shels in the battle for Europe for now. But they went one better.

Kevin Doherty’s team, however, were without a victory in four league matches and also exited the FAI Cup in recent weeks. Their manager knew a fine season was in danger of petering out with something of a whimper.

Kareem was one of four players Doherty opted to bring in for the second leg of a weekend double-header, with the 19-year-old making just a third league start for the club.

Just as it was in his first start against Galway in July, Kareem’s selection reaped reward. He took the plaudits from teammates and supporters but he didn’t merely finish the move – he made it.

The giant striker outmuscled Sean Gannon in midfield and then pressured JJ Lunney into making a hurried clearance back towards goal. Neither Paddy Barrett or goalkeeper Wessel Speel dealt with the loose ball – leaving it to each other and no one. Kareem took full advantage, running onto it and unleashing a brilliant curling effort that found the inside of the far post.

Shels began the second half with more purpose but little to show for their efforts. Joey O’Brien made a triple substitution which saw the introduction of Ali Coote, John Martin and Daniel Kelly but that move ultimately did not affect the outcome.

Just seconds after those changes, Drogheda scored the goal that would clinch it. They found the net via Evan Caffrey, the ball cannoning off the midfielder after Andy Quinn touched it beyond Speel.

The hosts are mightily effective from those situations. Having won a free kick deep in their own half, they sent most of their players forward and from Dennison’s delivery, Conor Keeley knocked down for Quinn.

Like Drogheda’s first, it was a goal that owed much to the team’s power and directness.

Shels scored in the 89th minute, Harry Wood finding the bottom corner after an almighty penalty area scramble. Drogheda held on through seven minutes of added on time.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Dennison; Bolger, Keeley, Quinn; Lambe, Heeney (Markey, 62), Brennan (O’Sullivan, 76), Cruise (Kane, 75); Farrell; Davis (Thomas, 62), Kareem (Doyle, 70).

SHELBOURNE: Speel; Gannon (Kelly, 64), Barrett, Bone (Ledwidge, 46); Mbeng, Lunney, Henry-Francis (McInroy, 77), Caffrey; Wood; Boyd (Coote, 64), Odubeko (Martin, 64).

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan