Keeley nabs point for Drogs in fiery Louth derby
Drogheda's Conor Keeley celebrates after scoring a late goal. Pic: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott
Dundalk hearts were broken for the second week running as Drogheda Utd captain Conor Keeley headed home in the 88th minute to deny them a first win back in the top flight in a spicy Louth derby in Oriel Park.
It looked as though Ciarán Kilduff’s side would claim the local bragging rights when Danny Mullen flicked home the opening goal in the 57th minute.
However, for the second week running, last season’s First Division winners were left to rue a late concession as a Drogheda side who were second best for long periods maintained their unbeaten start.
A fiery start was ensured even before the coin toss when several flares were thrown by the Drogheda fans onto the newly re-laid artificial surface, causing multiple burn marks.
After the smoke had cleared, the hosts largely bossed the first half without finding a breakthrough.
It would finally arrive on 57 minutes with Drogheda struggling to deal with Daryl Horgan’s free kick into the box. When it broke to the edge of the area Keith Buckley’s shot was then brilliantly flicked to the net by Mullen.
It looked like that would be enough to win it until the 88th minute when Keeley strode out of defence to pick out Kieran Cruise on the left with the defender going on to attack the substitute’s ball into the box, getting up above Kearns – who felt he was fouled – to head home a big equaliser.
Kearns; JR Wilson, Cornwall, Leonard, Burns; Dervin (Teahan 72), Buckley; Kenny (Groome 83), Mullen, Horgan (T Wilson 83); Arubi (McDaid 72).
Dennison; Agbaje (Bucknor 63), Burney, Keeley, Quinn, Kane (Cruise 72); Farrell (Godden 63), O’Brien (Brennan 72); Kavanagh; Oluwa, Doyle (Kareem 63)
Rob Hennessy (Limerick).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
