Kevin Doherty hits back at jibes aimed at his Drogheda side
Drogheda go into tonight's home clash with Waterford buoyed after sinking Bohemians away at Dalymount Park last Friday. Fresh from their training camp in Spain - a consolation for their devastating European expulsion - they have won back-to-back games, in the FAI Cup and league.Bohs dominated possession last week but couldn't find any way past a defence that was superbly led by imposing centre-back Conor Keeley.At times when it looked like Bohs were about to get on top, Drogheda would slow down the game with a player needing treatment.Some Gypsies fans were growing increasingly irate in the stands, vocal in their belief that Drogheda were turning to the dark arts to suit their needs.
But the FAI Cup holders stuck to their gameplan and won the game four minutes from time, when Welsh striker Josh Thomas slotted home on a devastating counter attack.
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Asked about stoppages and delays in play, and whether it was a skill to manage games, Drogs boss Doherty said: 'People always say that about us.'Not once did I tell a player to get down. It's nearly like, what's the word? Cried wolf?. Lads are going down injured at times. Maybe people do think that about us.'But if Shamrock Rovers do that they are brilliant at playing the game and game management and all that type of stuff.
'We don't do anything different to any other team and if you actually look back at the stats, we were the least fouled team in the league (at one point this season).' Manager Kevin Doherty celebrates Drogheda United's late win over Bohemians at Dalymount Park (Image: ©INPHO/James Lawlor)
Keeley has been in outstanding form for Drogheda, who could move up to second in the table tonight if results go their way.Back at his old club this year after a miserable spell at St Pat's, the big centre-back has been one of the best defenders in the league this season.And Doherty said: 'Conor is the most underrated player in the league. I don't want to tempt anything because I want to have him forever. I gave him his debut at 17.'I don't know what other people's opinions are, but mine is that he's one of the best centre halves in the league and I'm delighted that he's here.'Josh Thomas has also signalled his return - from a serious thigh injury in February - with goals in the FAI Cup win over Crumlin United and the winner at Bohs last week.After that game, the on-loan Swansea City striker revealed he could have joined Bohemians over the winter but opted for Drogheda after talking to Doherty.
Doherty feels that Drogheda's proven track record of successful loans with players coming from the UK stands to them in that regard.
And he added: 'I don't bullshit them and promise them stuff. I could tell him to watch our games on YouTube, as the Cup final and playoff are up there. 'But there's a reason Josh is here and he'll have to tell you why he was sold on us rather than other clubs.
'I'm just delighted to get a player of his quality and to have him for the year. He missed a lot with the injury, so to have him back again is brilliant.'
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