Ardee News & Sport – Drogheda Frustrate Shelbourne in Tolka Park Stalemate as Visitors Push for More
By ArdeePost Reporter
Drogheda United produced a determined and composed second-half performance at Tolka Park on Friday night, coming away with a well-earned point in a 0-0 draw against reigning champions Shelbourne. The result leaves Shels ruing another missed opportunity at home, while Drogheda can feel aggrieved not to have snatched all three points after a dominant second-half showing.
In a game marked by injuries, near-misses, and resilient goalkeeping, it was Lorcan Healy, Shelbourne’s substitute goalkeeper, who stole the spotlight with a string of crucial saves after coming on for the injured Conor Kearns in the first half.
A Game of Two Halves
The first half was largely disjointed, with both teams struggling to find rhythm in the final third. Shelbourne looked the more likely to break the deadlock early on, with Ellis Chapman and Harry Wood seeing good chances blocked or go astray.
Wood, in particular, was involved in a flurry of half-chances, but poor first touches and decisive defending from Drogheda’s backline—particularly Elicha Ahui and Andrew Quinn—kept the scoreline level heading into the break.
Drogheda’s Warren Davis had a strong penalty shout waved away in stoppage time of the first half when he was brought down by Tyreke Wilson, but referee Rob Hennessy saw nothing in it.
Drogheda Push Hard After the Break
The second half belonged to Kevin Doherty’s side, with Douglas James-Taylor, Thomas Oluwa, and Darragh Markey all coming close to grabbing a winner for the visitors.
James-Taylor forced Healy into a fine diving save from distance, before missing a golden opportunity moments later with a free header that he sent over the bar. His smart turn and low drive on 84 minutes again brought the best out of Healy, who followed that up with a superb double save to deny both Oluwa and Markey in quick succession.
Despite their second-half dominance, Drogheda couldn’t convert their chances into a decisive goal, but their performance—especially defensively and in midfield—was a significant improvement, building on a string of gritty displays in recent weeks.
Goalkeeper Steals the Spotlight
Lorcan Healy, making his Premier Division debut for Shelbourne, was the story of the night. Thrust into action unexpectedly after Kearns’ injury, Healy produced a composed and assured display under pressure. The former UCD keeper had only made one previous appearance for the club in the FAI Cup, but showed the kind of shot-stopping and composure that Shels may come to rely on should Kearns face extended time out.
Manager Reactions
While Shelbourne boss Damien Duff will be concerned by the injury to his first-choice keeper and the growing queue in the treatment room, Kevin Doherty can be proud of his Drogheda side’s defensive solidity and attacking intent in the second half.
“It was probably there for the taking,” said Doherty post-match. “We created the better chances and defended well. On another night, we come away with three points.”
Next Up
Shelbourne, meanwhile, continue their title defence with a mounting injury list and increasing pressure at the top of the table.
Drogheda United will aim to turn these strong performances into wins when they host St. Patrick’s Athletic next.
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