Drogs Earn Valuable Point in Battle Against the Drop
Ardee News and Sport — Drogs Earn Valuable Point in Battle Against the Drop as Galway Stay in European Spot Contention
SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Drogheda United 0-0 Galway United
A scoreless draw at United Park saw Drogheda United secure a vital point in their fight to avoid relegation, while Galway United remain in the hunt for European qualification, just a year after their return to the Premier Division.
The goalless encounter, the second between the sides this season, does more for Drogheda’s survival hopes than Galway’s continental ambitions. Kevin Doherty’s men now hold a five-point cushion over bottom-placed Dundalk, with the same number of games remaining.
While Galway entered the game confident after wins against Derry City and league leaders Shelbourne, they couldn’t find a breakthrough against a resolute Drogheda side. John Caulfield’s charges remain in contention for European football for the first time in 34 years, but they will rue this missed opportunity to close the gap on Shamrock Rovers, who secured a late winner in their game.
Drogheda, typically strong at home, added another valuable point to their survival tally. The clean sheet will be particularly satisfying for the Drogs, whose defensive resilience continues to keep them afloat as they edge closer to safety.
Galway Dominates, but Drogheda Holds Firm
Despite Galway dominating possession and creating the better chances, Drogheda stood tall defensively. Patrick Hickey came closest for Galway in the first half, only for a crucial intervention from Elicha Ahui. Hickey’s header later hit the post after a well-worked short corner routine.
Galway continued to press, with centre-backs Killian Brouder and Garry Buckley both narrowly missing from set pieces. However, Drogheda’s goalkeeper Luke Dennison proved equal to the challenge, dealing confidently with Galway’s aerial threat throughout the match.
Frantz Pierrot, Drogheda’s danger man, had the hosts’ best opportunity in the first half. The Haitian striker connected well with a Shane Farrell cross but could only direct his header straight at Galway keeper Brendan Clarke.
Team Selections
Kevin Doherty opted to name an unchanged Drogheda side following their hard-fought win over Bohemians. Despite the quick turnaround between games, Doherty’s faith in his starting XI paid off as they battled to a clean sheet and a crucial point.
John Caulfield, meanwhile, made two changes to the Galway team that defeated Shelbourne. Rob Slevin and David Hurley came into the starting lineup to add freshness, but their impact couldn’t break down Drogheda’s well-organized defense.
What’s Next?
With just a few matches remaining in the season, Galway remain on course for a potential return to European football, while Drogheda’s focus is firmly on survival. They now sit five points ahead of Dundalk, and a promotion-relegation playoff seems likely for the Drogs if they can maintain their current form.
Drogheda United XI: Dennison; Quinn, Webster, Bolger; Ahui, Brennan, Farrell, Kane; Markey (Heeney, 68); James-Taylor (Foley, 90+2), Pierrot.
Galway United XI: Clarke; Slevin (McCarthy, 69), Buckley, Brouder; Keohane, McCormack, Hurley, Borden (Horgan, 69), Cunningham; Hickey; Walsh (Lomboto, 80).
Referee: Gavin Colfer