Drogheda United Debut Goal Earns Draw in Longford
By ArdeePost Reporter
Bucknor Makes Immediate Impact for Drogheda United
Drogheda United were held to a 1-1 draw by Longford Town in their Leinster Senior Cup clash on Saturday evening, but the game proved memorable for new American signing Jason Bucknor, who marked his debut with a well-taken goal.
The match, played at Ratoath Harps’ CHC Park, gave Drogheda supporters their first glimpse of two recent arrivals from the United States, Bucknor and Leo Burney, both of whom only arrived in Ireland earlier in the week.
Early Drogheda Pressure Despite Quiet Crowd
A smaller-than-usual crowd was in attendance, likely impacted by the Manchester derby taking place across the water, but Drogheda started brightly and dominated the early exchanges.
Michael Cardo sliced a shot wide before Andrew Quinn rose highest to meet a cross, only to head over the bar as Kevin Doherty’s side looked to assert control.
Longford, however, nearly stunned Drogheda when goalkeeper Luke Dennison had a clearance blocked, presenting Aaron Doran with a golden opportunity, but the winger fired wide when well placed.
Bucknor Opens His Account on Debut
The breakthrough arrived on 21 minutes following excellent work from teenage defender Jamie Brennan, who delivered a pinpoint cross from the left.
The ball broke kindly to Bucknor, and the Florida native made no mistake, drilling a low finish past Longford goalkeeper Kian Moore from close range to give Drogheda a deserved lead.
Bucknor nearly doubled his tally soon after, but Moore reacted sharply to save his cross-shot. Longford responded with chances of their own, Dennison tipping Alex O’Brien’s header around the post before Daragh Murtagh nodded wide just before the interval.
Longford Strike Back After the Break
Drogheda made four changes at half-time, introducing Bridel Bosakani, Brandon Kavanagh, Edwin Agbaje and Leo Burney, with Burney impressing on his debut at the heart of the back three.
However, the Boynesiders were caught cold three minutes after the restart when Daragh Murtagh showed composure to slot past Dennison and bring Longford level.
Dennison redeemed himself on the hour mark with a fine tip-over save to deny Doran’s powerful strike and keep the contest finely balanced.
Missed Penalty Denies Drogheda Victory
With pace in attack through Thomas Oluwa and Bosakani, Drogheda continued to threaten. Oluwa burst clear to tee up Kieran Cruise, but the effort lacked power.
Kavanagh was lively after coming on and had two good chances, the second proving the most decisive moment of the match. In the 81st minute, Shane Farrell was fouled inside the box by former Drogheda striker Kyle Robinson, earning a penalty.
Kavanagh stepped up confidently, but Moore guessed correctly and produced a superb save to his left, denying Drogheda a late winner.
Positives for Kevin Doherty Despite Stalemate
There were further half-chances late on, including a header from Agbaje, but the game ended level, leaving Drogheda with one remaining group fixture against St Patrick’s Athletic, scheduled for later in the competition.
Despite the missed opportunity, there was plenty of encouragement for manager Kevin Doherty. Ethan O’Brien impressed in midfield, Bucknor and Cruise were energetic in the wing-back roles, while Brennan again underlined his promise at centre-half.
Questions remain about Drogheda’s goal output, but with Mark Doyle, Warren Davis and Dare Kareem unused, competition for attacking places is set to intensify ahead of the league campaign, which begins in just under a fortnight.
Match Details
Leinster Senior Cup
Longford Town 1 – 1 Drogheda United
Drogheda United:
Luke Dennison; Andrew Quinn (Edwin Agbaje 46), Conor Keeley (Leo Burney 46), Jamie Brennan (Conor Kane 61); Jason Bucknor (Brandon Kavanagh 46), Scott Brady, Ethan O’Brien, Kieran Cruise; Shane Farrell; Thomas Oluwa, Michael Cardo (Bridel Bosakani 46).
Subs not used: Warren Davis, Theo Hennessy.
Longford Town:
Kian Moore; O Irhue, T McCarthy, C Errity, J Hough; S Ugbesia (K Robinson 67), S Moore, A O’Brien, D George (P Manuel 85); A Doran; D Murtagh.
Subs not used: D McKenna, E Mensah, L O’Brien, S Eduard, E Jakas.
Referee: Declan Toland
