Oluwa Strikes as Drogheda Edge Bohemians at Dalymount Park
Ardee News and Sport – Oluwa Strikes as Drogheda Edge Bohemians at Dalymount Park
Drogheda United continued their impressive start to the Premier Division season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bohemians at Dalymount Park, thanks to a first-half winner from Thomas Oluwa.
Despite being tipped for relegation before the campaign began, Kevin Doherty’s side remains unbeaten after four games, while Bohemians slumped to their third consecutive defeat, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
In their first home fixture of the season, Alan Reynolds’ Gypsies struggled to improve upon their poor home form from last year, having won just one of their last 12 league games at the venue.
Oluwa Breaks the Deadlock
Drogheda started brightly and came close to scoring early when Ross Tierney was forced to clear Ryan Brennan’s header off the line. Their pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Oluwa capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire home from six yards after Andy Quinn nodded a diagonal ball back into the danger zone.
The goal sparked a response from Bohs, who pressed forward but found Drogheda’s defense resolute. Luke Dennison was called into action in the 24th minute, tipping over Tierney’s deflected effort, while Conor Keeley did well to deny Collie Whelan moments later.
Bohs Fail to Find a Response
Despite dominating possession after the break, Bohemians struggled to create clear-cut chances. Drogheda, on the other hand, almost doubled their lead through Oluwa again, but Bohs keeper James Talbot produced a fine save.
With Bohemians unable to register a shot on target in the second half, frustration grew among the home supporters, culminating in boos at the final whistle. In contrast, the traveling Drogheda fans celebrated a victory that sees their side sit second in the table ahead of a tough trip to reigning champions Shelbourne on Friday.
Match Details:
Bohemians XI: James Talbot; Liam Smith (Archie Meekison 58), Leigh Kavanagh, Sean Grehan, John Mountney (Lys Mousset 58); Niall Morahan, Dawson Devoy; Dayle Rooney, Ross Tierney, Connor Parsons (James Clarke 75); Colm Whelan (Rhys Brennan 75).
Drogheda United XI: Luke Dennison; Andy Quinn, Conor Keeley, James Bolger; Owen Lambe, Shane Farrell, Ryan Brennan (Luke Heeney 63), Conor Kane; Darragh Markey; Thomas Oluwa (Steve Bawa 69), Warren Davis (Bridel Bosakani 81).
Referee: Mark Houlihan (Dublin).
Match Details:
Bohemians XI: James Talbot; Liam Smith (Archie Meekison 58), Leigh Kavanagh, Sean Grehan, John Mountney (Lys Mousset 58); Niall Morahan, Dawson Devoy; Dayle Rooney, Ross Tierney, Connor Parsons (James Clarke 75); Colm Whelan (Rhys Brennan 75).
Drogheda United XI: Luke Dennison; Andy Quinn, Conor Keeley, James Bolger; Owen Lambe, Shane Farrell, Ryan Brennan (Luke Heeney 63), Conor Kane; Darragh Markey; Thomas Oluwa (Steve Bawa 69), Warren Davis (Bridel Bosakani 81).
Referee: Mark Houlihan (Dublin).