SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division Match Reports
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division: Foley’s Late Strike Seals Vital Win for Drogheda United Over Waterford
In a crucial clash for Premier Division survival, Drogheda United secured a vital 2-0 victory over third-placed Waterford at United Park. Adam Foley’s 89th-minute breakaway goal clinched the win, adding to Frantz Pierrot’s first-half strike.
Frantz Pierrot opened the scoring in the 15th minute, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up between Waterford’s goalkeeper Louis Jones and defender Grant Horton. Pierrot’s goal, his fifth of the season and first in two-and-a-half months, came after a long drought since Drogheda’s last league win in a Louth derby ten games ago.
Despite a challenging season, Pierrot’s goals have been pivotal, and his partnership with Douglas James-Taylor could be crucial in Drogheda’s fight to stay up. On the other end, Waterford’s prolific striker Padraig Amond was kept largely anonymous by a resolute Drogheda defense, a stark contrast to his previous hat-trick performance against them.
The Blues, who had scored four goals in each of their last two meetings with Drogheda, found no such success this time. Drogheda’s defense, previously porous, was solid and disciplined throughout the match.
Waterford’s debutant goalkeeper Louis Jones had a night to forget, particularly with Pierrot’s goal coming from his mishandling of a throw-in. Despite having their first notable shot in the 43rd minute and a good attempt early in the second half, Waterford couldn’t find the net, thanks to Drogheda’s goalkeeper Luke Dennison’s crucial saves.
The match’s decisive moment came in the 89th minute when Adam Foley broke away to score, sealing the well-deserved victory for Drogheda. This win, along with last week’s FAI Cup triumph over fierce rivals Dundalk, has swung the momentum in favor of Kevin Doherty’s team as they battle to avoid relegation.
Drogheda United Lineup: Dennison; Quinn, Webster, Bolger; Ahui, Farrell (Davis, 96), Heeney, Brennan (Markey, 70), Kane; Pierrot (Foley, 73), James-Taylor.
Waterford Lineup: Jones; Power, Horton, Leahy, McCourt; O’Keeffe (Baggley, 65), McMenamy; Pattisson (Bellis, 80), McCormack (Glenfield, 65), Parsons; Amond.
Referee: Paul Norton.
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division: Horgan’s Hot Streak Continues as Dundalk Hold Bohemians to Draw
In an electrifying encounter at Dalymount Park, Dundalk’s Daryl Horgan continued his impressive form with a crucial equalizer, helping his side secure a 1-1 draw against Bohemians in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
Bohemians started brightly and took the lead in the 19th minute through Ross Tierney. The midfielder’s first-time volley, expertly set up by Dayle Rooney’s cross, found the net despite Dundalk goalkeeper Felix Goddard getting a hand to it. This goal was Tierney’s first since returning to Bohs earlier in the summer, and it looked to set the tone for a dominant performance.
Despite their early lead, Bohemians struggled to convert their chances into more goals. The home side had several appeals for penalties turned down and were left to rue missed opportunities, including a drive from Tierney that hit the post and a close-range effort from Martin Miller that went narrowly wide.
The match took a turn in the 27th minute when Dundalk’s Horgan, in fine form, capitalized on a defensive lapse. Jamie Gullan’s cross from the right was initially cut out, but the ball fell kindly for Horgan, who slotted it past Kacper Chorazka to level the score.
Bohemians, despite having the majority of possession and creating numerous chances, found themselves unable to break down Dundalk’s resolute defense. The visitors had a golden chance to steal a win in the 78th minute, but Jad Hakiki’s shot went over the bar, and Robbie Mahon’s attempt was well saved by Chorazka.
As the game wore on, Bohemians continued to press but could not find a way past Dundalk’s stubborn defense. A final effort from Eoin Kenny went off target deep into added time, sealing the fate of the match as a draw.
The result leaves Bohemians in a frustrating position with just one win in their last 12 league games, and none in their last seven. They remain four points ahead of Dundalk, who continue their fight against relegation with this valuable away point.
Bohemians Lineup: Chorazka; Miller (Smith, 79), Kavanagh, Byrne, Kirk; McDonnell (Clarhe, 66), Flores; Rooney, Tierney, Grant (McDaid, 79); Greive (Akintunde, 66).
Dundalk Lineup: Goddard; Mountney, Animasahun, Faulkner, Pike; McGill (Hadiki, 57), Dervin; Horgan, Benson, O’Kane (Mahon, 75); Gullan (Kenny, 83).
Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.
