Anthony McIntyre ⚽Since the 3-2 home victory over Cork on the recent bank holiday, the Drogs proved unable to build on the momentum, suffering a crushing 0-3 defeat to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght in a top of the table clash on Friday night.
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It is not usual for Drogheda to be lose by such a margin. The second defeat already this reason to the Tallaght outfit, the effect has been sobering.
A Hoops fan invited me to the game. It was an offer I would have taken up but for a family dinner with guests already arranged. I did manage to watch the last ten or so minutes on the television. The less said about that. I do intend however to make it to Tallaght one of these days to catch a game. Who Shamrock Rovers might be playing does not really matter. There are much worse ways to spend a Friday evening than attending a soccer match.
Paddy was running a bit late as he had a few things on. It meant that when we got to the ground our usual slot had been taken up. We normally arrive an hour before kick off which gives us the pick of the seats. Luckily, it was such a beautiful sunny day, that not being under the cover of a stand made no difference. Rain, as unwelcome as a British Army search party, would not get a chance to spoil the parade. The seats we did get were almost in line with the goal posts at the entrance to the stadium but it provided a better view of the game than our normal ones. No uprights blocking the right wing at the other end.
For our second trip in a row to Sullivan and Lambe Park (Weavers was always easier to get off the tongue) we forgot to ask Jay for his prediction. He too hadn't remembered. It is not a sign of waning interest, just the bank holiday rush leaving us less focussed than usual. As we entered the ground Tony, the steward, informed me that Luke Denison had been replaced at the last minute. Not a question of form, the Drogs keeper had something else to attend to. There goes the chance to complain about his Garryowen, I quipped to Paddy. Much better with the ball in his hands than at his feet, I still felt his absence would leave the back line more vulnerable.
A 1700 kick off meant we would be back home early enough, and it still bright. Might even catch the last of the sun in the back garden over a whiskey. As the game progressed and the chill started to push back against the golden rays, I was glad to have brought my match day heavy coat along. It is the only time I wear it.
This game should never have been as tight as it was. Drogheda second from top, Cork second from bottom, the gulf never made its way onto the pitch. Inject into the mix the form over the previous three outings by either side. Drogheda had won none while Cork were victorious in their three. It was't long before Drogheda fell behind, but with two goals from Shane Farrell and Warren Davis they looked to be cruising. Then the curse of poor defending struck and Cork were level courtesy of a second from Djenairo Daniels. As captain Ryan Brennan said post-match you can expect little from a game if you concede goals so easily.
Paddy was running a bit late as he had a few things on. It meant that when we got to the ground our usual slot had been taken up. We normally arrive an hour before kick off which gives us the pick of the seats. Luckily, it was such a beautiful sunny day, that not being under the cover of a stand made no difference. Rain, as unwelcome as a British Army search party, would not get a chance to spoil the parade. The seats we did get were almost in line with the goal posts at the entrance to the stadium but it provided a better view of the game than our normal ones. No uprights blocking the right wing at the other end.
For our second trip in a row to Sullivan and Lambe Park (Weavers was always easier to get off the tongue) we forgot to ask Jay for his prediction. He too hadn't remembered. It is not a sign of waning interest, just the bank holiday rush leaving us less focussed than usual. As we entered the ground Tony, the steward, informed me that Luke Denison had been replaced at the last minute. Not a question of form, the Drogs keeper had something else to attend to. There goes the chance to complain about his Garryowen, I quipped to Paddy. Much better with the ball in his hands than at his feet, I still felt his absence would leave the back line more vulnerable.
A 1700 kick off meant we would be back home early enough, and it still bright. Might even catch the last of the sun in the back garden over a whiskey. As the game progressed and the chill started to push back against the golden rays, I was glad to have brought my match day heavy coat along. It is the only time I wear it.
This game should never have been as tight as it was. Drogheda second from top, Cork second from bottom, the gulf never made its way onto the pitch. Inject into the mix the form over the previous three outings by either side. Drogheda had won none while Cork were victorious in their three. It was't long before Drogheda fell behind, but with two goals from Shane Farrell and Warren Davis they looked to be cruising. Then the curse of poor defending struck and Cork were level courtesy of a second from Djenairo Daniels. As captain Ryan Brennan said post-match you can expect little from a game if you concede goals so easily.
Subdued and dispirited we sank deeper into stoppage time. When the ball came into the Drogs' half we were half hoping the ref would blow up before the Claret and Blue conceded a third. The recent run of form had been miserable enough without having it rubbed in with a home defeat. That all changed when the Cork keeper upended Thomas Oluwa in the 96th minute. Penalty to the home side.
The last time we had watched a penalty in stoppage time it was missed by Shane Farrell against Shamrock Rovers. So we waited with baited breath. The outcome would determine whether three points or one would be picked up and would also have a bearing on the league position.
The last time we had watched a penalty in stoppage time it was missed by Shane Farrell against Shamrock Rovers. So we waited with baited breath. The outcome would determine whether three points or one would be picked up and would also have a bearing on the league position.
I commented to Paddy that so late in the game the captain just had to step up and take the kick. When Ryan Brennan placed the ball, our breath exhaled. Leading from the front, as is his character, he duly slotted home. He later claimed to be less than confident when steadying himself to place the ball. The nerves didn't make their way to his foot.
Paddy thinks that a lack of confidence causes the Drogs to play so conservatively. Kevin Doherty does not have the Hansi Flick approach of it being better to lose 5-4 than win 1-0. Flick's brand of soccer is great to watch but here in Drogheda we will settle for 1-0 every time.
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Good interview with boss Kevin Doherty on Newstalk's Off The Ball last night ( avail on podcast ) .
ReplyDeleteTop 5 race in the P L going to the wire . M U & Spuds , Ange will probably be fired on Wed week !