Bohemians 0-1 Drogheda United: Relegation Race Heats Up as Drogheda Secure Crucial Away Win
Ardee News and Sport — Drogheda United claimed their first away victory in nearly a year, edging Bohemians 1-0 in a tense affair at Dalymount Park. The win not only ends their away-day drought but also drags Bohemians further into the relegation mix, forcing them to nervously glance over their shoulders.
Kevin Doherty’s Drogheda side started brightly and could have been ahead inside 15 minutes. The front two of Douglas James-Taylor and Frantz Pierrot caused the Bohemians’ defense all sorts of problems, with the latter having a powerful shot blocked bravely by Leigh Kavanagh.
The Drogs were finally rewarded in the 33rd minute after sustained pressure. Pierrot latched onto Andrew Quinn’s knockdown and volleyed the ball into the net, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Pierrot, a constant thorn in Bohemians’ side, nearly doubled the advantage moments later. After rolling Kavanagh with impressive strength, he fired a shot off the post, much to the relief of Bohemians’ fans.
Bohemians struggled to get into the game during the first half but found some late chances. Ex-Drogs players James Clarke and Dayle Rooney both missed clear opportunities to level the score before the break, with Rooney’s effort particularly wasteful as he missed the target from close range.
The second half saw Bohemians come out with renewed energy, and Archie Meekison almost grabbed an equalizer during a frantic goalmouth scramble. Dayle Rooney came close again, testing former Bohemians goalkeeper Luke Dennison with a near-post effort, but Drogheda held firm.
Bohemians continued to push, but substitute Alex Grieve missed a golden opportunity to equalize, failing to convert from just two yards out after Dawson Devoy’s initial strike was parried by Dennison.
Despite Bohemians’ late pressure, Drogheda’s defense, marshaled by Andrew Quinn and Joe Redmond, stood tall, sealing a crucial win that puts breathing room between themselves and Dundalk while intensifying Bohemians’ relegation fears.
SUN STAR MAN: Frantz Pierrot (Drogheda Utd)
Drogheda United: Dennison 6; Ahui 7, Quinn 7, Webster 7, Kane 7; Farrell 7 (Deegan 90+1, 6), Brennan 7, Bolger 7, Markey 7; Pierrot 9, James-Taylor 6 (Foley 65, 6)
Bohemians: Chorazka 6; Smith 6, Kavanagh 5 (Mills 35, 6), C. Byrne 6, Flores 6 (Kirk 71, 6); Devoy 7, Meekison 6 (Akintunde 71, 6); Rooney 7, Tierney 7, Grant 6 (McDaid 71, 6); Clarke 7 (Grieve 61, 6)