Kareem strikes again but Drogs denied by Derry

A point keeps Drogheda United's European dream alive and means that mathematically at least, there is still a title race. Shamrock Rovers will win it, just not this week.

Dare Kareem of Drogheda United celebrates after scoring against Derry City. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Drogheda United 1 Derry City 1

Drogheda United couldn’t find the winner and the victory to confirm Shamrock Rovers as Premier Division champions as they played out an entertaining draw with Derry City at Sullivan & Lambe Park.

Dare Kareem was their goalscorer for the second time this week. His goal was cancelled out by Danny Mullen in the second half.

In an impressive season, Kareem has been a particularly bright spark. He is making a habit of lighting up Sullivan & Lambe Park recently. In just his third home start – and fourth overall – he scored for a third time in front of the home faithful.

When Derry cleared a Drogheda free-kick, Kevin Doherty’s team recycled the ball to devastating effect. Shane Farrell’s ball into the area was chested down by Conor Keeley. That knock-down was perfect for Kareem to meet it, volleying through a crowd of players and past goalkeeper Brian Maher.

A point keeps their European dream alive and means that mathematically at least, there is still a title race. Rovers will win it, just not this week.

Derry’s equaliser came nine minutes after the restart. Drogheda conceded possession in midfield and the visitors worked it superbly – through Adam O’Reilly and Michael Duffy - out to the left flank, where Brandon Fleming took control.

He cut onto his right foot and curled a shot, saved by Luke Dennison but Mullen reacted quickest to turn in the loose ball.

Drogheda, much to their credit, hit back and created several chances to retake the lead. Josh Thomas, just as he did in the first half, went close on more than one occasion.

Within seconds of his introduction, Warren Davis almost managed it. The Ireland Under 21 cap touched the ball beyond Maher but Mark Connolly, the post and then Hayden Cann intervened on the line. Derry went as close towards the end. The woodwork denied Mullen a second when His fiercely struck effort beat the goalkeeper.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Dennison; Bolger, Keeley, Quinn; Lambe, Brennan, Farrell (Heeney, 65), Kane; Markey; Thomas (Stretton, 87), Kareem (Davis, 70).

DERRY CITY: Maher; Cann, Connolly (Dummigan, 79), Stott; Boyce, Diallo, Winchester, Fleming; O’Reilly, Duffy; Mullen (White, 86).

Referee: Rob Harvey