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Melia Grabs Winner for St Pat’s as Dundalk Remain Bottom Amid Growing Uncertainty

SSE Airtricity Premier Division Reports


SSE Airtricity Premier Division

In a thrilling encounter at United Park, Drogheda United and Bohemians played out a 2-2 draw, with Shane Farrell’s spectacular free-kick providing a highlight in an end-to-end match. The result edged Drogheda United closer to their rivals Dundalk in the relegation playoff race, but manager Kevin Doherty might look back with frustration at missed opportunities to secure all three points.

The match kicked off with Drogheda carrying momentum from recent victories over Dundalk and Waterford. Farrell, a mid-season acquisition from Shelbourne, set the tone early with a breathtaking free-kick that curled into the top corner from 25 yards out. The goal not only showcased Farrell’s skill but also drew the admiration of his former manager Damien Duff, who was watching from the stands.

However, Drogheda’s lead was short-lived as Bohemians responded with a quick turnaround. The visitors were awarded a penalty when referee Robert Harvey spotted a foul by Drogheda’s Frant Pierrot on Cian Byrne. Dayle Rooney stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick with precision, sending the ball past Luke Dennison to level the score.

The momentum swung further in Bohemians’ favor shortly after. Rooney’s corner found its way into the six-yard box, where it took a deflection off Drogheda defender James Bolger and trickled into the net, giving Bohemians the lead.

Drogheda, despite sitting deep and inviting pressure, struggled to regain control. Bohemians’ midfield duo of Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy, making his return from suspension, dominated the play. A crucial block by Elicha Ahui denied a Tierney effort, keeping Drogheda within reach.

As the first half progressed, Drogheda began to find their rhythm again. David Webster’s header narrowly missed the target, and the hosts capitalized on a fortunate break to equalize. Conor Kane’s low cross took a deflection off Byrne and found its way into the far corner of the net, leveling the score at 2-2.

The second half saw Drogheda pushing for a winner. However, their task was made more difficult when Leigh Kavanagh received a second yellow card in injury time, leaving Bohemians to hold on with ten men. Drogheda had two significant chances to claim victory in the dying moments. Adam Foley’s effort was brilliantly saved by Bohemians’ goalkeeper Kacper Chorazka, and a last-minute block denied Pierrot.

DROGHEDA UNITED:

L. Dennison; N. Quinn, D. Webster (C. Markey 59), J. Bolger; E. Ahui (D. Keaney 49), J. Heeney, C. Brennan (A. Foley 78), S. Farrell, C. Kane; F. Pierrot, J. James-Taylor.

BOHEMIANS:

K. Chorazka; S. Miller, C. Byrne, L. Kavanagh, R. Smith; R. Tierney, C. McDonnell (R. Clarke 84), D. Devoy; C. Grieve (S. McDaid 73), T. Akintunde (C. Grant 84), D. Rooney (B. Mills 90+2).

SSE Airtricity Premier Division Referee: Robert Harvey.

The draw keeps Drogheda United’s battle for survival alive as they inch closer to Dundalk in the relegation playoff position. With ten games remaining, both teams will be looking to build on this result as they navigate the final stretch of the season.

SSE Airtricity Premier Division DUNDALK 0 GALWAY UNITED 2

In a match that saw Galway United reaffirm their European aspirations, Stephen Walsh’s second-half brace proved decisive as the visitors secured a 2-0 victory over Dundalk. The victory keeps Galway firmly in the mix for a European spot, while Dundalk’s struggle for survival in the Premier Division continues.

Galway United, under the guidance of manager John Caulfield, came into this fixture needing a win to counteract recent away-day struggles. They were one of four teams, all on 37 points, fighting for European qualification. The win at Oriel Park, their first away victory in a while, came courtesy of Walsh’s headers, which punished Dundalk’s faltering defense.

The match, much like their earlier encounter in February, saw both teams field changed line-ups. While Dundalk boasted two Irish internationals, Galway’s former Preston North End midfielder Daryl Horgan was left on the bench. Caulfield’s summer acquisitions, including Bobby Burns, proved instrumental. It was Burns’ precise cross that set up Walsh’s first goal just eight minutes into the second half.

Dundalk, struggling to keep their heads above water in the league, faced a resilient Galway side. Their efforts to improve their standing after a heavy defeat to Waterford were evident in recent matches. However, despite a commendable run with victories over Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers, and Drogheda United, Dundalk remained precariously close to the relegation zone.

In goal, Felix Goddard, the 20-year-old on loan from the Championship, faced a tough task. Despite some commendable saves, he was unable to keep out Walsh’s headers. Galway’s emphasis on set-pieces, including Conor McCarthy’s dangerous throw-ins, kept the pressure on the young goalkeeper and his defense.

The first-half saw both teams test each other with some close calls. Vincent Borden’s dipping volley just cleared the crossbar early on, while Ryan O’Kane’s curling effort missed narrowly. Dundalk’s Jamie Gullan and John Mountney also had chances, but Galway’s defensive resilience held firm.

The breakthrough came when Walsh took advantage of a failure by Dundalk’s Mayowa Animasahun to deal with Burns’ cross. Walsh’s header, though aided by a lapse in goalkeeper Goddard’s positioning, was a testament to Galway’s patience and persistence. A potential penalty for Walsh was turned down, but Jimmy Keohane’s missed opportunity from the rebound did little to deter Galway.

As the match drew to a close, Karl O’Sullivan’s pass to Walsh, who was unmarked in the box, led to the second goal. The close-range header cemented Galway’s win and underscored their continued push for a European berth.

DUNDALK:

F. Goddard; J. Mountney, M. Animasahun, A. Boyle, D. Pike (S. Keogh 88); A. Dervin, R. Benson (S. McGill 75); D. Horgan, J. Hakiki (E. Kenny 61), R. O’Kane (S. McGill 75); J. Gullan (J. O’Connor 75).

GALWAY UNITED:

B. Clarke; J. Esua (C. Horgan 80), G. Buckley, K. Brouder, R. Burns; J. Keohane (C. O’Keeffe 83), C. McCormack (K. O’Sullivan 83), V. Borden (D. Hurley 65), C. McCarthy (G. Cunningham 80); P. Hickey; S. Walsh.

SSE Airtricity Premier Division Referee: Paul Norton.

Galway United’s triumph is a significant boost in their quest for European football, while Dundalk must regroup as they face a critical stage in their season with just ten games remaining.

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