Anthony McIntyre ⚽ There was more than just local bragging rights involved in this derby.
The Drogs widening the gap between themselves and Sligo would give rise to a corresponding surge in confidence amongst fans. On paper it looked as if a draw would suffice. Sligo playing away to league champions and current leaders Shamrock were in the foothills of Mount Improbable, and it seemed they were destined for defeat. Had Sligo lost then a Drogheda draw against Dundalk at Sullivan and Lambe would have increased the gap to four points. A win would have made it six. At the very least it seemed that the Claret and Blue could come out no worse than they went in regardless of how they fared on the night.
But as often happens in football, the side that believes that success is defeat turned on its head and that the flip is possible, come away with the spoils. Sligo against the odds flipped their fortunes, emerging as winners at Tallaght Stadium through a 97th minute strike. With Drogheda only managing a draw the gap between third from bottom and second is now a slim solitary point, when in the most optimum of circumstances it could have been six. So, success tonight against Waterford is crucial for the Drogs. They go into the game knowing that they are the only side Waterford has manged to beat this season in all of eighteen outings.
But as often happens in football, the side that believes that success is defeat turned on its head and that the flip is possible, come away with the spoils. Sligo against the odds flipped their fortunes, emerging as winners at Tallaght Stadium through a 97th minute strike. With Drogheda only managing a draw the gap between third from bottom and second is now a slim solitary point, when in the most optimum of circumstances it could have been six. So, success tonight against Waterford is crucial for the Drogs. They go into the game knowing that they are the only side Waterford has manged to beat this season in all of eighteen outings.
On the way over Jay made a prediction of 2-0 to Drogheda. Both Paddy and I felt that a bit over confident. This season has been a hit and miss one for Drogheda whereas Dundalk have navigated a more steady journey to a fourth place spot, a safe distance from the tide of relegation lapping at their feet. They were coming into this game on the back of a victory over Shamrock Rovers, whereas for the Drogs they had two straight defeats at their back, hardly the type of wind needed to get them across the line. Paddy didn't commit but I went for my usual draw.
For a local Derby with a lot at stake, it was frustrating to see Drogheda sleep walk their way through the first half, trailing to Gbemi Arubi's goal behind at the break. It could have been more. Kevin Doherty, banned over a misdemeanour at Waterford, was absent from the touchline. While he might seem excessive and excitable at times with the verbal whip, something was needed to lash the Drogs into action. As it turned out, a bit more than tea was handed out at half time in the dressing room. The Drogs came out for the second half awake and feisty. Around the 60 minute mark, a well placed corner met by the head of Leo Burney saw the sides level. It remained that way right up to the final whistle.
For Dundalk, the outcome means they now sit on the number of points that saw them relegated two seasons ago. Wherever they are headed this season it is not down to the lower division. The Drogs unfortunately have no reason for the same confidence. Too many poor performances have pushed them perilously close to the danger zone.
A dull game that relied on the long ball rather than playing out from the back, where the fans were kept on their toes throughout as a result of the derby atmosphere. It is great to see Dundalk back in the Premier Division after a season in the nether regions. The Louth derby arguably packs more punch and gives bangs for bucks unmatched by anything that goes on in the Dublin circuit. A disappointing end to a disappointing game was matched by an equal dismay that the flares had returned to the game after the trouble they had landed the club in the last time both sides met at Oriel Park.
Flares are not toys. They are offensive weapons capable of causing injury much like they did at Oriel Park. For most fans they add noting to the quality of the game, detracting from the general enjoyment. At this point there can no longer be a fool's pardon for those who bring them to the matches and set them off. As security seems unable to stop them, and the Public Order Unit - out in force for this clash - having no more luck, it must fall on the Ultras to evict those culpable from their midst before another child is harmed.
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