Drogheda United 2
Bohemians 2
DROGHEDA UNITED HAD their star men to thank for earning a point in their battle against relegation as Mark Kinsella’s men came from behind to draw against Bohemians.
The Louth men were fresh from a six goal derby drubbing last week and fears by the Boyne were that a side bereft of confidence could struggle as the season reaches its climax.
This story of this game could be condensed down into seven, hectic first half minutes. After an uneventful opening to the game, it sprang to life in sensational fashion.
Ismahil Akinade stooped to meet Lorcan Fitzgerald’s 37th minute corner to hand Keith Long’s visitors the lead. His header had power and accuracy to find the net amidst a crowd of bodies. That was the Nigerian’s seventh goal in 10 games for the Gypsies.
Two minutes later, Paddy Kavanagh doubled their lead with a fine goal. From Karl Moore’s left wing cross, Kavanagh volleyed expertly across the goal and into the bottom corner.
For Drogheda heads to drop would be no real surprise in that situation, but they were hardly given any time to. They were back in it instantly.
Within 60 seconds, former Republic of Ireland international Keith Treacy scored a stunner from long range to half the deficit. It took everyone in the ground by surprise. While Treacy may be battling with fitness after a long exile from the game, his quality at this level is undisputed.
Just before the break, Drogheda were level. Sean Thornton found space in the area to cut inside and with his right foot, he curled a low shot into the bottom corner. Dean Delany could get nowhere near it.
Mark Hughes had a glorious chance for the Drogs in the second half, while Fitzgerald and Kavanagh went close for Bohs. The latter was denied by a stunning save from Micheal Schlingermann.
A win, as always would be preferable, but the point and the performance will please caretaker boss Kinsella. United look capable of getting out of trouble. Their run in will provide them with the sternest of tests.
DROGHEDA UNITED: Micheal Schlingermann, Lloyd Buckley, Alan Byrne, Robert O’Reilly, Joe Gorman, Mick Daly, Mark Hughes, Sean Thornton, Keith Treacy (Sean Brennan, 75), Adam Whelan (Tiernan Mulvenna, 46), Ger Pender (Robert McKenna, 84).
Substitutes: Liam Donnelly, Sam McGowan, Robert Bayly.
BOHEMIANS: Dean Delany, Dylan Hayes, Derek Prendergast, Stephen Best, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Karl Moore (Adam Evans, 81), Roberto Lopes, Eoin Wearen, Paddy Kavanagh, Jake Kelly (Jason Byrne 84), Ismahil Akinade.
Substitutes: Lee Steacy, Dan Byrne, Aaron Ashe, Kealan Dillon, Jason Caffrey.
Referee: Derek Tomney