James-Taylor Penalty Lifts Drogheda Above Bohs in Premier Division Thriller
By ArdeePost Reporter
Drogheda, Co. Louth – Douglas James-Taylor marked his long-awaited return to the scoresheet with a crucial penalty that secured Drogheda United a 1-0 victory over Bohemians at Sullivan & Lambe Park, propelling the Boynesiders above their Dublin rivals in a fiercely competitive SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
The on-loan Walsall striker, a standout performer in last season’s FAI Cup-winning campaign, has had a frustrating start to 2025, plagued by a serious thigh injury that sidelined him for much of the season. But on this night, under the Drogheda lights and in front of a passionate home crowd, James-Taylor delivered — and with it, gave his side a vital three points.
Drogheda Dig Deep as James-Taylor Delivers
Manager Kevin Doherty has been vocal about James-Taylor’s importance to the team, and his perseverance was rewarded in the 68th minute, when a clumsy foul by Sean Grehan on Conor Keeley handed Drogheda a golden opportunity from the spot. James-Taylor, showing no signs of rust, stepped up and rifled his penalty into the top corner, giving Kacper Chorazka no chance.
It was a moment of relief and redemption for the striker, who had shown signs of sharpness earlier in the match, forcing Chorazka into two excellent first-half saves with powerful efforts. His overall performance was another step towards full match fitness, with the Drogheda faithful once again chanting his name in full voice.
“He’s worked so hard to get back. That goal means a lot — to him, and to us,” said Doherty post-match. “We’re delighted he got his moment tonight.”
Bohemians Hit the Woodwork, but Leave Empty-Handed
Bohemians, who had won six of their last seven heading into the fixture, were far from overawed. Dayle Rooney came closest for the visitors in the opening half, heading Dawson Devoy’s cross onto the post with Luke Dennison beaten. It was a let-off for Drogheda, and perhaps a turning point in a tight contest.
Alan Reynolds’ side dominated possession in the closing stages, with Colm Whelan rattling the crossbar and Dennison producing a heroic double save to keep out Hugh Smith and Archie Meekison. Despite their late pressure, Bohs were left to rue missed opportunities as their winless record at Drogheda extended yet again.
Table Tightens at the Top
With the result, Drogheda leapfrogged Bohemians in a Premier Division table where every point counts. The league remains congested at the summit, with just a handful of points separating the top half — a situation that promises a thrilling title run-in.
For Drogheda, the victory is a statement of intent — and of resilience. Unbeaten in 15 of their last 17 home league matches, the Boynesiders have turned Sullivan & Lambe Park into a genuine fortress, with both of those defeats coming at the hands of champions Shamrock Rovers.
A Bright Night for Youth Talent
The match also featured a compelling subplot with Republic of Ireland U21 internationals Sean Grehan (Bohemians) and Warren Davis (Drogheda) going head-to-head. Both featured in Jim Crawford’s latest U21 squad announcement, which included six current League of Ireland players and ten more who came through the domestic ranks — a testament to the growing talent within the league.
Match Summary:
🟥 DROGHEDA UNITED: Dennison; Ahui, Keeley, Quinn; Lambe, Brennan (Markey 55), Heeney, Kane; Farrell; James-Taylor (Cruise 87), Davis (Oluwa 69).
🟧 BOHEMIANS: Chorazka; Morahan (Meekison 83), Grehan, Cornwall (Brennan 71), Flores; McDonnell (Buckley 71), Devoy; Tierney, Clarke (Smith 83), Rooney; Whelan.
👨⚖️ Referee: Declan Toland
⚽ Goal: James-Taylor (68’, pen)
As Drogheda continue their steady ascent and James-Taylor finds his rhythm once again, the message is clear: the Drogs are back in business. #DroghedaUnited #LOI #JamesTaylorReturns #DrogsVBohemians #PremierDivisionPush
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