Kareem Strike Lifts Drogheda in Vital Win Over Shelbourne
By ArdeePost Reporter
SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Drogheda United 2, Shelbourne 1
Drogheda United gave their European qualification hopes a major boost with a 2–1 victory over reigning champions Shelbourne at Sullivan & Lambe Park, thanks to a superb Dare Kareem strike and a fortuitous own goal from Evan Caffrey.
The win inflicted only Shels’ second league defeat of the season and came at a critical time for Drogheda, who had gone four league games without victory and also suffered disappointment in the FAI Cup. For manager Kevin Doherty, the result re-energised a campaign that risked losing momentum.
The hero of the evening was 19-year-old striker Dare Kareem, making only his third league start for the club. Just as in his debut start against Galway in July, his inclusion paid dividends. He won possession in midfield by outmuscling Sean Gannon, forced JJ Lunney into a poor clearance, and capitalised on hesitation between Paddy Barrett and goalkeeper Wessel Speel. Seizing the loose ball, Kareem struck a brilliant curling effort into the far corner, igniting the home crowd.
Shelbourne began the second half with renewed intent, but Drogheda’s direct and powerful play soon produced a second goal. From a deep free-kick, Dane Massey’s delivery was knocked down by Conor Keeley into the path of Andy Quinn. His touch deflected off Caffrey and beyond Speel, doubling Drogheda’s advantage.
Joey O’Brien responded with a triple substitution, introducing Ali Coote, John Martin, and Daniel Kelly, but the changes could not shift the momentum. Harry Wood did pull one back for Shels in the 89th minute after a goalmouth scramble, setting up a tense finale with seven minutes of added time. Yet Drogheda held firm to claim a vital three points.
The result means Drogheda remain unbeaten in all four league meetings with Shelbourne this season, further underlining their resilience against the champions. More importantly, it keeps them firmly in contention for a European place.
Drogheda United XI: Dennison; Bolger, Keeley, Quinn; Lambe, Heeney (Markey 62), Brennan (O’Sullivan 76), Cruise (Kane 75); Farrell; Davis (Thomas 62), Kareem (Doyle 70).
Shelbourne XI: Speel; Gannon (Kelly 64), Barrett, Bone (Ledwidge 46); Mbeng, Lunney, Henry-Francis (McInroy 77), Caffrey; Wood; Boyd (Coote 64), Odubeko (Martin 64).
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan