Drogheda Battle Hard But Fall to Dyer Double in Galway Comeback Thriller

Drogheda Battle Hard But Fall to Dyer Double in Galway Comeback Thriller

Ardee News and Sport – Drogheda Battle Hard But Fall to Dyer Double in Galway Comeback Thriller

Moses Dyer shines again as Galway United overturn Drogheda lead at Eamonn Deacy Park

Drogheda United came agonisingly close to pulling off a famous away win, but a second-half surge led by the in-form Moses Dyer saw Galway United snatch a thrilling 2-1 victory at Eamonn Deacy Park in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division on Friday night.

The defeat was harsh on Drogheda, who weathered an early storm, grew impressively into the game, and took a deserved lead just before half-time thanks to a fine strike from Darragh Markey. However, two quickfire goals from Dyer turned the match on its head, and despite a full-blooded effort in the dying minutes, Drogs left Galway empty-handed.

Fast Start by Galway, Drogheda Stand Firm

From the opening whistle, the home side set a relentless tempo. David Hurley had two early sights of goal, forcing Drogheda goalkeeper Luke Dennison into action within the first few minutes. The American shot-stopper produced an inspired first half, making two superb saves to deny Moses Dyer from close range.

Despite the early onslaught, Drogheda United refused to be rattled. As the half wore on, their confidence grew, with Thomas Oluwa’s pace causing major problems for the Galway defence. Midfield duo Ryan Brennan and Darragh Markey dug in, refusing to be outfought in a fierce battle for control.

Set-piece threat Conor Keeley also came close on multiple occasions, towering above Galway’s defenders to create panic in the box.

Markey Strikes to Give Drogheda the Lead

Their pressure finally told in first-half stoppage time. After sustained attacking play, Darragh Markey unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the area that left Brendan Clarke with no chance, handing Drogheda a 1-0 lead going into the break.

Dyer Double Turns the Tide

Galway nearly hit back immediately after the restart, with Vince Borden’s vicious half-volley striking the post. Moses Dyer was a constant threat and thought he had a hat-trick chance when he rattled the crossbar midway through the second half.

The breakthrough eventually came — and it came quickly. Substitute Stephen Walsh played a key role, first providing a flicked assist for Dyer to head home on 66 minutes, then bravely winning another aerial battle that allowed Dyer to bundle in his second goal just moments later.

It was a devastating two-minute spell that left Drogheda United reeling.

Drogheda Push to the End But Denied by Woodwork

Despite the sudden setback, Drogheda fought tooth and nail to rescue something from the game. Their aerial threat continued to cause Galway problems, and deep into added time, they almost snatched an equaliser.

Douglas James-Taylor came heartbreakingly close, hitting the woodwork with a powerful effort. The rebound fell to Warren Davis, but he couldn’t scramble the ball over the line as Galway clung on desperately.

Full-Time: Galway United 2-1 Drogheda United

It was a cruel end for Drogheda, whose spirited display arguably deserved more. For Galway, it was another statement win, powered once again by the red-hot form of Moses Dyer, who now has four goals in five days.

Match Details

🗓️ SSE Airtricity Premier Division

🏟️ Eamonn Deacy Park

📈 Result: Galway United 2-1 Drogheda United

Galway United: Clarke; Esua, Slevin, Brouder, Cunningham (Buckley 37), Burns (Kerrigan 81); Borden (Walsh 60), Byrne, Hurley; Hickey, Dyer.

Drogheda United: Dennison; Lambe, Quinn (Bosakani 78), Keeley, Bolger, Kane (Cruise 72); Farrell, Markey (Heeney 72), Brennan (Doyle 72); Davis, Oluwa (Taylor 62).

Referee: R. Hennessy

Elsewhere in the League

• Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne shared a dramatic 2-2 draw at Tallaght Stadium.
• Bohemians grabbed a second successive last-minute Dublin derby win, beating St. Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 at Dalymount Park.
• Waterford stunned Derry City with a 2-1 win at the RSC, as Padraig Amond ended his goal drought.

First Division Results:

Wexford 0-1 UCD

Bray Wanderers 4-2 Kerry

Cobh Ramblers 3-1 Finn Harps

Treaty United 1-0 Athlone Town