DUNDALK BOUNCED BACK from last week’s loss at Turner’s Cross by picking up three points in an entertaining Louth derby tonight.
Goals from David McMillan, Michael Duffy and Brian Gartland sealed it for the reigning champions, although Pete Mahon’s side had hung in the game until a sending off for centre-half Ciaran McGuigan in the latter stages.
Stephen Kenny has had to deal with a high number of injuries in the past couple of weeks. Captain Stephen O’Donnell (thigh) was unavailable here along with the influential Patrick McEleney (groin), midfielder Robbie Benson (hamstring) and centre forward Ciaran Kilduff (suspended).
Into the team came McMillan, Niclas Vemmelund, Conor Clifford and Thomas Stewart.
The visitors made two changes to the side which narrowly lost out to Bohemians last time out — former Lilywhite Mark Griffin and Richie Purdy replacing Jake Hyland and ex-Ireland international Stephen Elliott as they set up in a 4-5-1 formation.
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After beginning life back in the Premier Division with two wins, Drogs had been beaten in their last four. But Pete Mahon’s side started brightly and Gary Rogers had to save well on eight minutes when Gareth McCaffrey latched onto Sean Brennan’s flick around the corner to shoot low.
Dundalk were getting joy down the left, however, and Dane Massey blazed over when he found himself with space in the opposing box. The full-back was to redeem himself on 20 minutes — providing the assist for the opening goal.
Duffy fed Massey and his cross was directed past Stephen McGuinness by the head of McMillan. The same player nearly doubled his tally minutes later but watched on as another headed effort was saved by the Drogheda keeper.
The 3,015 fans present wouldn’t have to wait long to witness Kenny’s men add a second though. Excellent build-up play saw the ball worked through the midfield and Stewart found McMillan out wide. His cut-back was an accurate one and Duffy timed his run perfectly to slot home.
At this point, it looked like Dundalk would wrap the game up early with a few goals to spare but the visitors hit back just after the half-hour mark. The flight of Colm Deasy’s cross was misjudged by Rogers and Griffin arrived at the back post to volley into an empty net.
Sean Thornton congratulates Drogheda goalscorer Mark Griffin. Morgan Treacy / INPHO
Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO
Dundalk lost another player to injury just after the break with Gannon going off to be replaced by Paddy Barrett on 50 minutes after a poor tackle from Griffin, which earned him a booking. That switch meant Vemmelund was moved out to full-back.
McMillan and Stewart would both waste decent chances with their opponents looking vulnerable at the back, but Drogheda’s task was made even more difficult when McGuigan picked up his second yellow for a late challenge on Chris Shields.
From the resulting free-kick, Massey played short to McMillan and his scuffed shot was diverted in by Gartland to effectively seal the victory with 17 minutes plus time added on still to play.
Dundalk prove too strong for 10-man Drogs in action-packed Louth derby
Dundalk 3
Drogheda United 1
Ben Blake reports from Oriel Park
DUNDALK BOUNCED BACK from last week’s loss at Turner’s Cross by picking up three points in an entertaining Louth derby tonight.
Goals from David McMillan, Michael Duffy and Brian Gartland sealed it for the reigning champions, although Pete Mahon’s side had hung in the game until a sending off for centre-half Ciaran McGuigan in the latter stages.
Stephen Kenny has had to deal with a high number of injuries in the past couple of weeks. Captain Stephen O’Donnell (thigh) was unavailable here along with the influential Patrick McEleney (groin), midfielder Robbie Benson (hamstring) and centre forward Ciaran Kilduff (suspended).
Into the team came McMillan, Niclas Vemmelund, Conor Clifford and Thomas Stewart.
The visitors made two changes to the side which narrowly lost out to Bohemians last time out — former Lilywhite Mark Griffin and Richie Purdy replacing Jake Hyland and ex-Ireland international Stephen Elliott as they set up in a 4-5-1 formation.
After beginning life back in the Premier Division with two wins, Drogs had been beaten in their last four. But Pete Mahon’s side started brightly and Gary Rogers had to save well on eight minutes when Gareth McCaffrey latched onto Sean Brennan’s flick around the corner to shoot low.
Dundalk were getting joy down the left, however, and Dane Massey blazed over when he found himself with space in the opposing box. The full-back was to redeem himself on 20 minutes — providing the assist for the opening goal.
Duffy fed Massey and his cross was directed past Stephen McGuinness by the head of McMillan. The same player nearly doubled his tally minutes later but watched on as another headed effort was saved by the Drogheda keeper.
The 3,015 fans present wouldn’t have to wait long to witness Kenny’s men add a second though. Excellent build-up play saw the ball worked through the midfield and Stewart found McMillan out wide. His cut-back was an accurate one and Duffy timed his run perfectly to slot home.
At this point, it looked like Dundalk would wrap the game up early with a few goals to spare but the visitors hit back just after the half-hour mark. The flight of Colm Deasy’s cross was misjudged by Rogers and Griffin arrived at the back post to volley into an empty net.
Dundalk lost another player to injury just after the break with Gannon going off to be replaced by Paddy Barrett on 50 minutes after a poor tackle from Griffin, which earned him a booking. That switch meant Vemmelund was moved out to full-back.
McMillan and Stewart would both waste decent chances with their opponents looking vulnerable at the back, but Drogheda’s task was made even more difficult when McGuigan picked up his second yellow for a late challenge on Chris Shields.
From the resulting free-kick, Massey played short to McMillan and his scuffed shot was diverted in by Gartland to effectively seal the victory with 17 minutes plus time added on still to play.
DUNDALK: Rogers; Gannon (Barrett 50), Gartland (c), Vemmelund, Massey; Shields (Hoare 85), Clifford, Duffy, McGrath; Stewart, McMillan (Kinsella 87).
DROGHEDA UNITED: McGuinness, Deasy, Gallagher, McGuigan, Dunne, Sean Brennan (c) (Jake Hyland 60), Thornton (McEvoy 78), Griffin (Elliott 68), McCaffrey, Gavin Brennan, Purdy.
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SSE Airtricity League Premier Division County rivals Drogheda Drogheda United Dundalk League of Ireland LOI Oriel Park Premier Division R Drogheda United Dundalk