Ardee News & Sport – Shamrock Rovers Cruise Past Drogheda to Regain Top Spot in Premier Division
By ArdeePost Reporter
Shamrock Rovers moved to the summit of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division table with an emphatic 3-0 win over Drogheda United on Friday night, extending their unbeaten run and laying down a marker in the title race.
After a frustrating first half in which Drogheda stifled their rhythm, Stephen Bradley’s side found another gear after the break, scoring twice in quick succession through Aaron Greene and Lee Grace before substitute Rory Gaffney sealed the victory in stoppage time.
The win marks Rovers’ second triumph over Drogheda this season and propels them back to the top of the league table—albeit on goal difference over a resurgent Derry City. It is also the Hoops’ seventh win of the campaign, demonstrating growing momentum as they chase a historic fifth consecutive league title.
First-Half Frustration
With just one change to the side that beat Sligo Rovers on Monday—Josh Honohan returning at left-wingback—Rovers controlled the early possession but found Drogheda United determined to frustrate. Kevin Doherty’s side defended with deep lines and tight marking, while goalkeeper Luke Dennison was spoken to for time-wasting just 10 minutes in.
Despite their defensive setup, Drogheda fashioned the game’s first meaningful chance on 12 minutes when Shane Farrell curled a free-kick narrowly wide.
Rovers responded with intricate passing moves and nearly broke the deadlock on 31 minutes when Owen Lambe fouled Honohan in the box to concede a penalty. Graham Burke, who had confidently converted from the spot in the previous match, misfired this time—dragging his shot wide off the post.
Rovers’ Patience Rewarded
It wasn’t until the second half that Rovers’ persistence paid dividends. Just five minutes after the restart, central defender Lee Grace floated a perfectly measured ball over the Drogheda backline. Greene, alert to the opportunity, brought it down on his chest and lifted a composed finish over the advancing Dennison—a sublime goal that marked his fourth of the season.
Within three minutes, Grace turned from provider to scorer. Dennison parried a shot from Matt Healy out for a corner, and from Jack Byrne’s pinpoint delivery, Grace rose highest to head home Rovers’ second.
With Drogheda reeling, Rovers pressed for a third. Their dominance paid off in stoppage time when Rory Gaffney took full advantage of a catastrophic defensive error. Dennison’s attempted clearance struck Michael Noonan, rebounding kindly for Gaffney who calmly walked the ball into the unguarded net.
Control and Composure
Manager Stephen Bradley will be pleased not just with the result but the manner of the performance—Rovers showed both control and composure in the face of a stubborn Drogheda outfit. The return of Josh Honohan provided additional width, while midfielders Healy and Byrne orchestrated attacks with maturity and precision.
For Drogheda, the defeat will sting, particularly after a solid first-half showing. But with their compact shape and some spirited defending, they demonstrated resilience even in the face of quality opposition.
Looking Ahead
Shamrock Rovers’ rise to the top of the table signals a return to familiar territory, and their experience in title races will serve them well as the season progresses. Derry City remain hot on their heels, but for now, the champions are back where they believe they belong.
Match Summary:
SSE Airtricity Premier Division
Shamrock Rovers 3 – Greene (50’), Grace (53’), Gaffney (90+3’)
Drogheda United 0
Attendance: 6,101
Referee: Rob Harvey (Dublin)
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