Drogheda United 0
Dundalk 6
Caoimhin Reilly reports from United Park.
A BRACE APIECE for David McMillan and Ciaran Kilduff, Patrick McEleney’s wonder strike and a goal for Michael Duffy ensured Dundalk picked up a fifth consecutive league victory over Drogheda at United Park tonight.
The Lilywhites’ number nine – McMillan – showed his poaching instincts to fire in a quick-fire double before McEleney blasted an unstoppable effort to the top-corner of the net a minute before the break.
A 3-0 lead at half-time flattered Dundalk immensely as up until Thomas Byrne’s controversial sending-off on 31 minutes, the Boynesiders had more than held their own.
The winger was dismissed for a foul on McEleney, a decision which incensed both sets of supporters for opposing reasons.
It was an incident which sparked a dour derby to life with the opening half-hour having been far from eventful – as the teams struggled in possession.
With the man advantage, the Lilywhites dominated the second-period and missed several great opportunities to extend the lead through McMillan (2), Seán Gannon and Duffy.
The latter did get his name on the scoresheet on 59 minutes though when he shot past the helpless Stephen McGuinness after Thomas Stewart nodded it into his path.
Pete Mahon’s men were under relentless pressure at this point with McEleney, McMillan and Robbie Benson enjoying very impressive nights for the champions.
Despite Dundalk’s monopoly on the game, it took them until seven minutes from time to extend their lead when Kilduff swept a Brian Gartland cross to the net before the striker latched onto McEleney’s through ball to score their sixth 30 seconds later.
Drogheda United: Stephen McGuinness; Colm Deasy, Luke Gallagher, Ciaran McGuigan, Stephen Dunne; Ryan McEvoy, Killian Brennan (Seán Thornton 46); Adam Wixted, Seán Brennan (Mark Doyle 90), Thomas Byrne; Ryan Masterson (Stephen Elliott 73)
Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Seán Gannon, Brian Gartland, Niclas Vemmelund, Dane Massey; Robbie Benson (Chris Shields 76), Stephen O’Donnell; Michael Duffy (Jamie McGrath 62), Patrick McEleney, Thomas Stewart; David McMillan (Ciaran Kilduff 73)
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin)
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