Drogheda United boss Kevin Doherty wary of Crumlin ‘threats' as holders begin defence of FAI Cup crown
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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Kevin Doherty hails ‘brilliant' Luke Dennison after Drogheda keeper secures fourth clean sheet in a row
Drogheda United boss Kevin Doherty has lauded goalkeeper Luke Dennison after his fourth successive shutout kept their European football hopes alive KEVIN DOHERTY paid tribute to goalkeeper Luke Dennison after his side picked up another clean sheet on Friday night. It was Dennison's fourth shutout on the spin as the Drogs played out a scoreless draw with Waterford. Advertisement 2 Drogheda United manager Kevin Doherty hailed after a fourth clean sheet in a row 2 Drogheda United goalkeeper Luke Dennison has been in fine form But it keeps them dreaming of European qualification after missing out this year due to a breach of Uefa's multi-club ownership rules. Dennison has helped marshal a defence that has been one of the meanest in the Premier Division this season — shipping just 25 goals in 27 matches. But the American — who joined Drogheda from Bohemians last summer — had to be alert to keep his fine record intact as he denied Blues' Conan Noonan from distance. And his boss Doherty said: 'He's brilliant. Advertisement 'It's all good in hindsight but Luke was in the stand at Dalymount so it was a really good signing by us.' Friday's clean sheet was Dennison's 14th of the season in all competitions and no keeper has made more saves in the top flight than him. And Doherty was quick to hail the keeper who slotted in perfectly for Ireland Under-21 international Andrew Wogan. The Drogs chief added: 'I had no doubts. Advertisement 'He's just so calm when he needs to be and is a bit mad when he needs to be as well. 'He pulls off saves and keeps the ball out of the net. That's what goalkeepers do. Benjamin Sesko is paraded around Old Trafford after completing £74million transfer 'It's not 'he', it's not just the defenders either, it's the attackers who defend but he's been absolutely excellent. 'I know it's really basic but he keeps the ball out of the net. Advertisement 'There's a lot more to goalkeeping nowadays and I'm not saying Luke can't do that but he's just so comfortable. 'He's very calm and he commands his box. 'He's a good fella, as they all are.' On Friday's stalemate at home, the United boss was not too downbeat that this team had missed the chance to go clear in second place. Advertisement They sit level on 42 points with Derry City — who they face in the FAI Cup last 16 on Saturday in a repeat of last year's Aviva Stadium showpiece. Doherty explained: 'We've beaten Waterford here already, Sligo here twice and we've beaten Galway here. 'We don't struggle to beat teams who would be perceived to be in and around us. 'Better teams than us have drawn games, I can assure you. Advertisement 'We're not happy or satisfied with a point, we never are. 'It was a decent contest without loads of quality moments at either end. It shows you how far we've come. 'For me to be disappointed and whatever, shows you how far we've come in a seriously short space of time
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Drogheda United left frustrated as Waterford hold firm in Sullivan & Lambe Park draw
Drogheda United were the better side for long spells but couldn't find a breakthrough against Waterford in a goalless clash that could prove costly in their European push Thomas Oluwa went as close as anyone to finding a goal at Sullivan & Lambe Park but in the end, there was none to be had. The former Blues man had chances in the first and second half but United could not find a winner to earn a fourth straight win in all competitions. Advertisement 2 Andrew Quinn of Drogheda United clears his lines as Tommy Lonergan during the scoreless draw against Waterford 2 Ryan Brennan and Drogheda United were left frustrated after the 0-0 result Waterford will have been happy to escape with a draw given how the Drogs were the better team for large spells. The point moves them further away from Sligo and Galway below them for now. But Kevin Doherty might consider this two points drop in their race for an unlikely European qualification. Josh Thomas started a match for the first time since February up front, as the United boss made a couple of changes from last week's victory over Bohemians. Advertisement The on-loan Swansea City striker had scored in both his sub appearances since his returning from his long injury layoff – against Crumlin United in the FAI Cup and then the winner at Dalymount Park. Shane Farrell replaced Luke Heeney in midfield while John Coleman also made two changes to his starting XI. With Darragh Leahy and Finlay Armstrong missing, Kyle White and James Olayinka came in. Both teams knew a win would go a long way. For Drogheda, they would take a firmer grip on a top four position with the race for Europe hotting up. Advertisement The Blues knew three points would put them 10 points clear of Sligo Rovers in the relegation playoff spot and keep them within reach of those further up the table. The Drogs home form is outstanding and they will have sensed a real opportunity to extend their winning streak to four games against Waterford – but a point is better than nothing. Ex-Man Utd star Ashley Young at centre of huge brawl after controversial late penalty during Birmingham vs Ipswich clash Shane Farrell took aim early on and while Oluwa headed harmlessly over the bar from Darragh Markey's cross, they still had some clear sights of goal. Kyle White was needed to block Owen Lambe's goal bound effort after an Oluwa pull back. Advertisement And then Oluwa went close himself when he spun Jordan Rossiter in the centre circle. The ex-Liverpool player was left on the ground while the speedster raced towards goal. But White got a crucial touch to deny him and deflect his shot over the bar. Waterford's posed a threat to United's rearguard in the first half too. 12-goal striker Padraig Amond required attention at all times and Conan Noonan forced a save from Luke Dennison. Advertisement The Drogheda stopper sprang to his right to palm away his 27th minute strike from the edge of the area. That was as close as Waterford came throughout. Jordan Rossiter took aim from outside the area after the break, but it was no problem at all for the Californian stopper. Thomas had an effort of his own early in the second half but Drogs' best chance of a goal came via Oluwa. The pacy forward turned smartly in the area to meet Conor Keeley's flick on. Advertisement But his fierce near post effort hit the side netting. DROGHEDA UTD 0 - O WATERFORD SUN STAR MAN: CONOR KANE (Drogheda United) DROGHEDA UTD: Dennison 6; Bolger 6, Keeley 7, Quinn 7; Lambe 6, Brennan 7, Farrell 6 (O'Sullivan, 77 5), Kane 8; Markey 6; Oluwa 7 (Kareem, 85), Thomas 6 (Davis, 62 6). WATERFORD: McMullan 6; McDonald 7, Boyle 6, Burke 6; Horton 6, Rossiter 6, Olayinka 7, White 6; Noonan 7, Amond 6, Lonergan 5 (Coyle, 86). Advertisement REFEREE: Marc Lynch 6.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Drogheda fail to take chances as Waterford claim a point in scoreless draw
This draw was Drogheda's 13th of the season, more than any other team. Yet only leaders Shamrock Rovers have lost fewer matches than Kevin Doherty's hard to beat side. Their Windmill Road ground is a fortress for the most part and another outing without defeat underlines that fact. Still, a draw in that context is disappointing for a team who were chasing a fourth successive win in all competitions - following recent wins over Galway United and Bohemians in the league, either side of an FAI Cup trouncing of non-league Crumlin United. Drogheda were unbeaten in four matches against the Blues upon John Coleman's side arriving. It's five now but certainly an opportunity lost in that battle for European qualification. United's most clear-cut opportunities fell the way of Thomas Oluwa in either half. First the lightning-fast attacker left grounded Jordan Rossiter with a smart turn and raced towards goal but his shot was deflected over the bar via a Kyle White recovery tackle. He hit the side-netting on the hour mark when latching onto Conor Keeley's flick-on, attempting to beat goalkeeper Stephen McMullan at his near post. Owen Lambe had earlier seen a shot cleared by White when it looked en route to goal. Waterford's only genuine sights of goal were from the boots of Rossiter and Conan Noonan. Both efforts were from range and relatively comfortable for Luke Dennison. Drogheda United: Dennison; Bolger, Keeley, Quinn; Lambe, Brennan, Farrell (O'Sullivan, 77), Kane; Markey; Oluwa (Kareem, 85), Thomas (Davis, 62).
