Rovers edge Drogheda in thriller to move closer to title
By ArdeePost Reporter
Shamrock Rovers 2 – Drogheda United 1
(Healy 31’, Honohan 70’; Keeley 83’)
Shamrock Rovers took another step towards the SSE Airtricity Premier Division title on Friday night, edging out a spirited Drogheda United 2-1 in a game that burst into life after a cagey opening half hour.
Drogheda, who are still fighting hard for a top-four finish, left Oriel Park with plenty of regrets after pushing Rovers all the way. But in the end, it was the champions’ composure and quality in key moments that proved decisive.
Rovers’ week had already been one to remember, with Stephen Bradley’s side reaching the Conference League group stages just days earlier. That momentum carried into this clash, as Matt Healy opened the scoring with a sublime strike from distance on 31 minutes, curling the ball beyond Luke Dennison in the Drogheda goal.
The Hoops looked to put the game beyond reach, and they finally doubled their lead 20 minutes from time when Josh Honohan produced a moment of magic, bending his effort into the far corner to spark celebrations among the visiting fans.
But Drogheda refused to roll over. With just seven minutes left, Conor Keeley latched onto a cross from Darragh Markey to slot home and give the home crowd hope of a dramatic finish. Rovers’ earlier decision to empty their bench suddenly looked risky as United pressed for an equaliser, but the champions held firm in a tense finale.
Luke Dennison had been exceptional in goal for Drogheda throughout the night, pulling off several key saves to deny Graham Burke and Adam Matthews, while Pico Lopes delivered a heroic last-ditch block to keep Rovers in front.
Despite the defeat, Drogheda will take encouragement from their improved second-half performance, with Keeley again proving a valuable asset at both ends of the pitch. Still, they know their battle for a top-four finish remains an uphill climb.
For Rovers, however, the win was another clear sign of their growing maturity. With Healy orchestrating play from midfield and Bradley’s side showing both resilience and flair, the champions appear to be peaking at just the right time.
As the final whistle blew, the result underlined Rovers’ title credentials, while Drogheda were left to reflect on what might have been.
Teams:
Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Dan Cleary, Pico Lopes, Lee Grace; Adam Matthews, Matthew Healy (McGovern 79), Darragh Nugent, Aaron McEneff (O’Neill 79), Josh Honohan (Ozhianvuna 73); Graham Burke (Greene 79), Michael Noonan (Barrett 79).
Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; James Bolger (Cardo 89), Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn; Owen Lambe, Ryan Brennan (Doyle 61), Luke Heeney (Farrell 65), Conor Kane; Darragh Markey; Warren Davis (Stretton 65), Thomas Oluwa (Kareem 46).
Referee: Aaron O’Dowd.