Lacklustre Drogheda well beaten by rampant Saints

Drogheda United are now winless in their last nine league games following a 3-1 defeat at home to St Patrick's Athletic.

Both sides came into this game in much need of a win, more so in the case of the hosts. Having won their first two league games Kevin Doherty’s Drogheda United have now gone eight games without one. Sitting eighth in the league, Drogheda found themselves looking over their shoulders at fellow strugglers Waterford and Sligo Rovers. 

The big news before kick-off was Doherty’s decision to drop goalkeeper Luke Dennison, handing a debut to 23 year-old Fynn Talley. The hosts were also without top goal scorer Mark Doyle and Ethan O’Brien who missed out through injury. Doyle was replaced by Thomas Aluwa, who’s only goal came in the reverse fixture, a 4-1 win for St Pat’s at Richmond Park back in March. 

For the visitors, Stephen Kenny’s St Patrick’s Athletic travelled up the M1 having been knocked off top spot at the hands of champions Shamrock Rovers last time out. However, the last time the Saints were beaten by their Dublin rivals earlier this season, they then won six of their next seven games. 

It couldn’t have started much worse for the hosts. A goal inside the opening minute for the Saints. Aidan Keena marking his return from injury with a wonderful striker from outside the area. His shot with the inside of his foot looped up and away from debutant Fynn Talley who couldn’t do much to stop it.

An accumulation of errors from the home side culminating in a second from the visitors. The ball was given away cheaply by Drogheda who were duly punished. The ball in behind for the quick Kian Leavy, his cross was deflected beyond Talley, who had anticipated the cross. It was judged to have come off Conor Keeley last. 

Things went from bad to worse for Kevin Doherty’s side just minutes later. Just moments after Talley made a good save from Ryan Edmundson, the ball fell to Kian Leavy again who caressed the ball back into the far corner. Questions will definitely be asked of the Drogheda defence, who appeared slow to close down the Saints winger. 

A change of shape for the hosts at the break, Kieran Cruise, Fuhad Kareem and Ryan Brennan coming on in place of Conor Kane, James Bolger and Shane Farrell. Just the one change at the break for Stephen Kenny’s side, goal scorer Kian Leavy replaced with what seemed to be a knock.

The change of shape did change the complexion of the game with Saints goalkeeper Jo Anang forced into a good save from a Conor Keeley header, and fellow centre-back Andrew Quinn putting it wide from close range. 

Just after the hour mark, the Ghanaian international attempted to intercept a long ball forward however, skewed his clearance straight to the former Saints man Brandon Kavanagh who tucked it away from the nearside touchline from what must've been 35 yards from goal. 

However, Kevin Doherty’s men struggled to capitalise on the lifeline handed to them by the St Pats goalkeeper despite having the better of the play in the second half the game. 

The loss leaves Drogheda United winless in their last 9 games and just two points above Sligo Rovers in 9th. 

For St Pats, it was an important result to get back to winning ways and more importantly to keep pace with leaders Shamrock Rovers who beat fellow title hopefuls Bohemians by two goals to one in Tallaght Stadium.

Drogheda United Starting XI: Fynn Talley (GK), Edwin Agbaje, James Bolger, Conor Keely ©, Andrew Quinn, Conor Kane, Shane Farell, Jago Godden, Brandon Kavanagh, Thomas Oluwa, Warren Davis

St Patrick’s Athletic Starting XI: Joseph Anang (GK), Zack Elbouzedi, Luke Turner, Tom Grivosti, Joe Redmond ©, James Brown, Jamie Lennon, Barry Baggley, Aidan Keena, Kian Leavy, Ryan Edmondson

Referee: Lucas Keating

Venue: Sullivan & Lambe Park