Drogheda United 2
Shamrock Rovers 1
THERE WAS LATE, late drama at United Park as Drogheda stopped the rot in the most dramatic fashion possible – earning an injury time victory over Shamrock Rovers with just 10 men.
Ryan McEvoy’s late header was touched into the net by a Rovers defender in the 91st minute as Drogheda earned a win that looked unlikely just 90 seconds earlier, when Graham Burke’s penalty cancelled out Sean Thornton’s own first-half spot kick.
In the aftermath of referee Rob Rogers decision to award the Rovers penalty, Sean Brennan was shown a straight red card for his protests.
In truth, Drogheda did deserve something from the game.
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Just after the half hour, Thornton won and scored the United penalty. He was fouled by Sam Bone – but it was a contentious award. Still, he cooly slotted in for 1-0.
Rovers had chances and good ones through Ronan Finn, Dave McAllister and Graham Burke but they couldn’t find their way past a resolute and dogged Drogheda defence.
After the break, Trevor Clarke and sub Sean Boyd also went close. But Drogheda have resilience and it looked like they would hold out until Rogers’ 89th penalty award to Stephen Bradley’s side.
Former Aston Villa man Burke sent Stephen McGuinness the wrong way and Brennan was dismissed but there was still time for McEvoy to ensure Drogheda got their first win in six.
Rovers have not won two straight games in the league since last August.
Drogheda United: Stephen McGuinness, Colm Deasy, Luke Gallagher, Kevin Farragher, Stephen Dunne, Sean Thornton, Richie Purdy, Jake Hyland, Gavin Brennan (Sean Brennan, 39), Gareth McCaffrey (Ryan McEvoy, 89), Mark Doyle (Thomas Byrne, 81).
Subs Not Used: Ryan Coulter, Conor Kane, Ryan McEvoy, Jamie Hollywood, Adam Wixted.
Shamrock Rovers: Tomer Chencinski, Simon Madden, Roberto Lopes (Darren Meenan, 67), Dan Devine, David Webster, Trevor Clarke, David McAllister (Sean Boyd, 61), Ronan Finn, Sam Bone (James Doona, 76), Gary Shaw, Graham Burke.
Subs Not Used: Kevin Horgan, Luke Byrne, Dean Dillon, Brandon Miele.
Referee: Rob Rogers