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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Drab stalemate in Waterford clash leaves Drogheda United feeling blue
Dropped points elsewhere by Bohemians, Shelbourne and Derry City limited the damage to Drogheda United's European aspirations following this disappointing draw against Waterford at Sullivan & Lambe Park on Friday night. In a game of few chances the Boynesiders did rack up their fourth consecutive clean sheet, but they were lacking in quality at the opposite end of the pitch against the joint worst defence in the Premier Division and failed to test Stephen McMullan in the Waterford goal all evening. Opposition boss John Coleman had said in the build-up to this game that he'd be trying to do to Drogheda what they did to Bohs the previous week, in other words defending resiliently and then trying to hit them on the break, and Waterford will be well pleased with their night's work despite failing to complete the job by snatching a shock winner. The Boynesiders began brightly enough and in the fourth minute Darragh Markey had a shot blocked and Shane Farrell's follow-up from distance grazed the crossbar. Oluwa then sent a looping header just too high from Markey's floated cross, before Conor Kane and Markey combined to put Oluwa down the left flank and he cut the ball back to Owen Lambe whose shot was blocked by Ryan Burke. Oluwa then got on the end of a lovely floated pass by Shane Farrell and cut inside before sending a tame shot straight into the hands of McMullan. At the other end Lambe gave away possession cheaply and from the resulting Waterford attack the ball sat up nicely for Conan Noonan and his half-volley was superbly turned away by keeper Luke Dennison. Just past the half-hour mark, Oluwa pick-pocketed Burke and took off down the pitch and had a two-on-one situation as Josh Thomas came up in support, but the former Wexford striker went for goal himself and his shot was brilliantly blocked away for a corner by last man Kyle White. Oluwa had a couple of other half-chances coming up to half-time, and just after the break James Bolger's pass released Lambe in behind the Waterford defence and he squared towards Thomas whose low shot lacked power as McMullan again made a routine save. A similar effort at the other end by former Liverpool and Rangers midfielder Jordan Dennison mwas easily gathered by Dennison, but Drogheda continued to have the upper hand and Oluwa fired an angled effort into the side netting after an assist from Conor Keeley, before Keeley himself hooked over the bar. ADVERTISEMENT The longer the game went on, though, the more Waterford seemed to grow in confidence and the final quarter was an evenly contested affair. Tommy Lonergan had a sight of goal in the 71st minute as he drifted infield, but Andrew Quinn did just enough to put off the former St Pat's man whose shot flew well wide. Lonergan then headed just over the bar from a Noonan corner, before Padraig Amond glanced a header straight into the hands of Dennison. Drogheda threatened from a couple of corner kicks in stoppage time, but Waterford defended gamely and ultimately were good value for a rare point on the road. Drogheda United: Luke Dennison 7; James Bolger 8, Conor Keeley 8, Andrew Quinn8 ; Owen Lambe 6, Ryan Brennan 8, Shane Farrell 8 (John O'Sullivan 77min, 6), Conor Kane 7; Darragh Markey 7, Thomas Oluwa 6 (Dare Kareem 85min), Josh Thomas 6 (Warren Davis 62min, 6). Subs not used: Aaron Harper-Bailey, George Cooper, Kieran Cruise, Luke Heeney, Michael Cardo, Jack Brady. Waterford: Stephen McMullan 7; Grant Horton 8, Rowan McDonald 8, Andy Boyle 8, Ryan Burke 8; Conan Noonan 8, James Olayinka 7, Jordan Rossiter 7, Kyle White 7; Padraig Amond 8, Tommy Lonergan 6 (Trae Bailey Coyle 86min). Subs not used: (Adam Coyne, Bradley Wade, Jesse Dempsey, Sean Keane, Adam Queally, Dean McMenamy, Sam Glenfield, Josh Miles. Attendance: 2,194
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- 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.
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Drogheda and Waterford play out dreary scoreless draw
Drogheda United and Waterford played out a forgettable scoreless draw at Sullivan & Lambe Park, in one leg of a barren Premier Division evening. A point apiece does nothing to further both teams objectives in any meaningful way. United at least have extended their unbeaten league sequence to three games as they chase European qualification with just nine matches to play now. John Coleman's team are eight points clear of Sligo Rovers in ninth, having played a game more. But they are adrift of the teams hoping to maintain a top four push. This result changes little for them. After his goalscoring appearance off the bench at Dalymount Park last week, Josh Thomas was handed a first Drogheda start since February in attack while Shane Farrell replaced Luke Heeney in midfield. In attempting to end a run of four games without victory against the Drogs, Coleman made two changes for the Blues, with Kyle White and James Olayinka replacing the absent Darragh Leahy and Finlay Armstrong. Waterford's run of three straight victories was ended at Richmond Park last weekend and Drogheda were likely to provide another stern test for them, themselves on a three-match winning streak in all competitions. Back-to-back one-nil wins in the league had already re-energised their bid for European qualification in 2026 and this result keeps them very much in the conversation. They are level on point with second placed Derry City, in fact. At the 27-match mark, that is quite an achievement for this Drogheda team. They have improved to such an extent this season that this is a result that they will have expected to win. To take only a point will be disappointing. They might have shaded it and certainly had the better opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. Thomas Oluwa turned out for the Blues two years ago and almost proved had them beaten by the Boyne. In he first half, the pacy attacker left Jordan Rossiter floored in midfield before darting into the penalty area, only to see his shot deflected over by White. Oluwa went closer again in the second half, when he turned quickly to latch onto Conor Keeley's flick on. His shot hit the side netting on the near post side. Owen Lambe and Thomas also had sighters on goal while Waterford could count only tame enough long range efforts from Rossiter and Conan Noonan for their efforts. The latter at least forced a save from Luke Dennison, but it was simple really. Coleman did not make a change until the 86th minute and the Blues simply did not look likely to win it. A flurry of late corners gave Drogheda a chance, but the visitors saw it out. Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; James Bolger, Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn; Owen Lambe, Ryan Brennan, Shane Farrell (John O'Sullivan, 77), Conor Kane; Darragh Markey; Thomas Oluwa (Dare Kareem, 85), Josh Thomas (Warren Davis, 62). Waterford: Stephen McMullan; Rowan McDonald, Andy Boyle, Ryan Burke; Grant Horton, Jordan Rossiter, James Olayinka, Kyle White; Conan Noonan, Padraig Amond, Tommy Lonergan (Trae Bailey Coyle, 86).
The 42
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Daniels rescues point for relegation-threatened Cork City with 96th-minute goal
Cork City 1 Drogheda United 1 Stephen Barry reports from Turner's Cross DJENAIRO DANIELS RESCUED a 96th-minute point for relegation-threatened Cork City as Drogheda United failed to hold out at Turner's Cross. But Seani Maguire headed over from four yards in the eighth added minute as Ger Nash's side couldn't snap their 10-game winless streak. Sligo Rovers' win saw them fall four points away from the relegation play-off berth in front of 1,815 fans. A week since their expulsion from the Uefa Conference League was confirmed, Drogs hoped to rebuild their European dreams with back-to-back wins. But Shane Farrell's fantastic free-kick wasn't enough as they dropped to third. Earlier on Monday, City announced the signing of Rory Feely from Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee. Like Colchester United recruit Fiacre Kelleher, the ex-Bohs defender will be available to play from the start of July. That duo are urgently required as City failed again to keep a first clean sheet of the season. Nash made four changes from Friday's 4-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers. He recalled captain Charlie Lyons, Maguire, Seán Murray, and Matthew Kiernan, who recently completed his Leaving Cert. Advertisement Cathal O'Sullivan, Evan McLaughlin, Malik Dijksteel, and Josh Fitzpatrick dropped to the centre-back George Cooper pulled up injured in the opening stages as Aaron Harper-Bailey deputised. City mirrored Drogs' 3-5-2 formation and started in spirited fashion. But it was the visitors celebrating in the 12th minute. Milan Mbeng wasn't happy as referee Alan Patchell penalised him for fouling Ryan Brennan under a dropping ball. Shane Farrell stepped up and unleashed a sublime 25-yard curler over the wall, which clipped off the post on its way to the net. City are quickly becoming the 24-year-old's favourite opposition as both his goals this season have come against the Leesiders. That would be Drogs' only shot of the half. In their customary style, Doherty's side were happy to soak up pressure as City held 74% of possession. Daniels had a header in front of goal, but didn't connect properly. Greg Bolger's corners led to a couple more aerial attempts. Darragh Crowley couldn't turn the ball back towards the target, while Lyons didn't threaten with his effort. In between, Crowley's brilliant floated pass over the cover found Maguire, who guided his looping header wide. Nash called on O'Sullivan at half-time in an attack-minded move. The teenage talent fired high and wide with his first attempt. City continued to struggle to translate control into shots on target. From a botched Drogheda clearance, Maguire got the ball stuck in his feet, and Daniels couldn't generate power on the eventual header. When a defensive mix-up handed Drogs a counter-attack opportunity, Kitt Nelson raced back to foil Douglas James-Taylor. The No.10 got another bite of the cherry moments later from Freddie Anderson's poor touch. Tein Troost reacted sharply to save his defender's blushes by parrying over the crossbar. O'Sullivan had a pair of shots blocked before teeing up Rio Shipston, who sidefooted over with the best chance of the half. Shipston's quality cross invited a Maguire header straight at Luke Dennison. It looked like City had run out of time until Fitzpatrick's cross was met by Daniels' bullet header for his fifth goal of the season. Then, Mbeng fizzed a ball across for Maguire, who diverted over the bar. CORK CITY: Tein Troost; Darragh Crowley (Cathal O'Sullivan 46), Freddie Anderson, Charlie Lyons; Milan Mbeng, Seán Murray (Rio Shipston 64), Kitt Nelson (Malik Dijksteel 77), Greg Bolger (Evan McLaughlin 68), Matthew Kiernan (Josh Fitzpatrick 68); Seani Maguire, Djenairo Daniels. DROGHEDA UNITED: Luke Dennison; George Cooper (Aaron Harper-Bailey 8), Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn; Owen Lambe, Ryan Brennan (Darragh Markey 67), Shane Farrell, Luke Heeney, Conor Kane; Douglas James-Taylor, Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa 78). Referee: Alan Patchell (Dublin).
RTÉ News
23-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Djenairo Daniels strikes at the death as Cork draw with Drogheda
Djenairo Daniels rescued a 96th-minute 1-1 draw for relegation-threatened Cork City as Drogheda United failed to hold out at Turner's Cross. But Seani Maguire headed over from four yards in the eighth added minute as Ger Nash's side couldn't snap their 10-game winless streak. Sligo Rovers' win saw them fall four points away from the relegation play-off berth in front of 1,815 fans. A week since their expulsion from the UEFA Conference League was confirmed, Drogs hoped to rebuild their European dreams with back-to-back wins. But Shane Farrell's fantastic free-kick wasn't enough as they dropped to third. Earlier on Monday, City announced the signing of Rory Feely from Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee. Like Colchester United recruit Fiacre Kelleher, the ex-Bohs defender will be available to play from the start of July. That duo are urgently required as City failed again to keep a first clean sheet of the season. Nash made four changes from Friday's 4-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers. He recalled captain Charlie Lyons, Maguire, Seán Murray, and Matthew Kiernan, who recently completed his Leaving Cert. Cathal O'Sullivan, Evan McLaughlin, Malik Dijksteel, and Josh Fitzpatrick dropped to the bench. Drogheda centre-back George Cooper pulled up injured in the opening stages as Aaron Harper-Bailey deputised. City mirrored Drogs' 3-5-2 formation and started in spirited fashion, but it was the visitors celebrating in the 12th minute. Milan Mbeng wasn't happy as referee Alan Patchell penalised him for fouling Ryan Brennan under a dropping ball. Shane Farrell stepped up and unleashed a sublime 25-yard curler over the wall, which clipped off the post on its way to the net. City are quickly becoming the 24-year-old's favourite opposition as both his goals this season have come against the Leesiders. That would be Drogs' only shot of the half. In their customary style, Doherty's side were happy to soak up pressure as City held 74% of possession. Daniels had a header in front of goal, but didn't connect properly. Greg Bolger's corners led to a couple more aerial attempts. Darragh Crowley couldn't turn the ball back towards the target, while Lyons didn't threaten with his effort. In between, Crowley's brilliant floated pass over the cover found Maguire, who guided his looping header wide. Nash called on O'Sullivan at half-time in an attack-minded move. The teenage talent fired high and wide with his first attempt. City continued to struggle to translate control into shots on target. From a botched Drogheda clearance, Maguire got the ball stuck in his feet, and Daniels couldn't generate power on the eventual header. When a defensive mix-up handed Drogs a counter-attack opportunity, Kitt Nelson raced back to foil Douglas James-Taylor. The number 10 got another bite of the cherry moments later from Freddie Anderson's poor touch. Tein Troost reacted sharply to save his defender's blushes by parrying over the crossbar. O'Sullivan had a pair of shots blocked before teeing up Rio Shipston, who sidefooted over with the best chance of the half. Shipston's quality cross invited a Maguire header straight at Luke Dennison. It looked like City had run out of time until Fitzpatrick's cross was met by Daniels' bullet header for his fifth goal of the season. Then, Mbeng fizzed a ball across for Maguire, who diverted over the bar. Cork City: Tein Troost; Darragh Crowley (Cathal O'Sullivan 46), Freddie Anderson, Charlie Lyons; Milan Mbeng, Seán Murray (Rio Shipston 64), Kitt Nelson (Malik Dijksteel 77), Greg Bolger (Evan McLaughlin 68), Matthew Kiernan (Josh Fitzpatrick 68); Seani Maguire, Djenairo Daniels. Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; George Cooper (Aaron Harper-Bailey 8), Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn; Owen Lambe, Ryan Brennan (Darragh Markey 67), Shane Farrell, Luke Heeney, Conor Kane; Douglas James-Taylor, Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa 78). Alan Patchell (Dublin).
