Drogheda continue superb return to top flight as Pat's woes grow

Drogheda United 2

St Patrick’s Athletic 0

Barry Landy reports from United Park, Drogheda

DROGHEDA United made it two wins from two in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division tonight — and left St Pat’s and Liam Buckley searching for answers early in the campaign.

A fine second-half goal from Jake Hyland was added to in injury time when new signing Pat Cregg touched into his own net to condemn the visitors to defeat.

The start to the season couldn’t have gone any better for Pete Mahon. His team now have six points from six and are yet to concede a goal. It’s a good return — especially with Cork the visitors to Boyneside next week.

Stephen Dunne saw his long-range fizzer touched on to the bar early on and former Brighton youngster Thomas Byrne looked impressive in the opening stages. He too forced Murphy into a save.

Sam Verdon had the best Pat’s chance of the first half but his effort from inside the six-yard box was blocked.

It looked as if the Inchicore outfit might dominate proceedings after the break when Billy Dennehy was denied by the woodwork and Rory Feely went close in quick succession.

But Hyland latched on to Gavin Brennan’s ball and held his nerve to beat Murphy for 1-0. It was deserved in truth, especially for the midfielder who impressed in the centre of the park.

The Saints, worryingly for them, didn’t offer much in response before Cregg’s own goal ended their slim hopes of a comeback.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Stephen McGuinness, Colm Deasy, Luke Gallagher, Ciaran McGuigan, Stephen Dunne, Jake Hyland, Sean Thornton (Ryan McEvoy, 78), Richie Purdy, Thomas Byrne (Gareth McCaffrey, 70) Gavin Brennan, Stephen Elliott (Marc Griffin, 79).
Subs not used: Dylan Sweeney, Conor Kane, Lloyd Buckley, Adam Wixted.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Barry Murphy, Michael Barker, Lee Desmond, Rory Feely, Ian Bermingham, Patrick Gregg, Billy Dennehy (Kurtis Byrne, 85), Graham Kelly, Sam Verdon (Josh O’Hanlon, 68), Alex O’Hanlon (Conan Byrne, 68), Christy Fagan.
Subs not used: Conor O’Malley, Darragh Markey, Ciaran Kelly, Jonathan Lunney.

Referee: Sean Grant (Wexford)

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Follow us: the42.ie

Can Liverpool continue fine record against top 6 and the other Premier League talking points

Liverpool to get the better of Arsenal and 4 more Premier League bets to consider