DROGHEDA MAINTAINED THEIR impressive form to beat Shelbourne 2-1 at Tolka Park tonight, while a late Dundalk goal earned them a 1-1 draw with Derry City at Oriel Park.
Cathal Brady gave Drogheda the lead on 12 minutes, scoring from a rebound after goalkeeper Chris Bennion could only parry a powerful Declan OBrien free kick into his path.
Conan Byrne’s superb strike on 74 minutes then brought the teams level, before Gavin Brennan won the game in injury time, with his well-struck shot from a difficult angle creeping in at the far post.
The goal, which ensures Drogheda keep the pressure on league leaders Sligo, came shortly after Shels’ Stephen Paisley had been sent off for denying O’Brien a clear goalscoring opportunity.
In the other game, Chris Shields’ late goal earned Dundalk a point against Derry.
David McDaid had put a dominant Derry ahead on 74 minutes, as the striker converted Stephen McLaughlin’s cross.
However, the hosts demonstrated their resilience, as Shields headed home from a corner with under five minutes remaining to earn them a point.
