Anthony McIntyre ⚽Tonight's game in the FAI Cup quarter final might prove better for Drogheda United than last week's local derby clash with Dundalk.
Galway. however, are no pushovers and will be determined to brush aside what opposition they might come up against this evening at Sullivan and Lambe Park in their bid to march on to the semi finals.
Poor displays have become so commonplace for the Drogs that going to a game in full anticipation that they will not win has become just as frequent. Yet, last week despite losing to visitors Dundalk, the Claret and Blue were not found wanting in determination. Lacklustre, so often a feature of Drogheda games, was absent in this one.
Jay made it this time, although parted company with us as soon as we reached the ground. He is of an age now where he doesn't want to hang out with his auld fella and and even older friend, preferring instead to share the experience with his own buds. We didn't let him go without getting his prediction. 1-0 to the home side. Not quite how it worked out but Jay is a long way off the age where scepticism is the first port of call.
On the way into the ground we came across a man helping a woman who was hopping on one leg while at the same time trying to hold onto a child. If he was heading to the hospital as seemed probable given her inability to walk, it would be a long time before the three of them made it. We asked if we could help. The guy spoke good English so communicating was never a problem. Her foot looked seriously swollen and discoloured. He asked if we could accompany the child while he would carry the woman on his back. That worked. Between myself and Paddy carrying the youngster then holding his hand while he walked we eventually covered the few hundred metres from the car park to the hospital.
Then into the Windmill where Paddy treated me to an Irish whiskey. The last time I drank whiskey there a few games back it was Glenfeddich but they had run out it. Irish works just as well. As I had a few in the house before I left. I was in merry mood for the duration of the game. Made easier by the sun not bothering us. It glared at us when we took our seats but soon obeyed the laws of physics and disappeared from view before the kick off.
As soon as the match started a woman right behind us began instructing the players how to play the game, who to pass it to, what sort of tackle to make. The thing is none of the players can hear a word: myself and Paddy unfortunately can hear every utterance and grunt. I resorted to sound blocking ear pods that my daughter gifted to me some time back. It reduced the assault on my ears but then I couldn't have a conversation with Paddy. Maybe this is just the way we get as we approach 70 - grumpy and cantankerous, irritated by the slightest inconvenience.
On the pitch, initially, there was little to lighten the mood given the need for all three points to land in Drogheda, but a lot to give our unwanted companion cause to shout about. The game was evenly balanced for the first 25 minutes before the visitors pounced on an error by Edwin Agbaje. Trying the shepherd the ball to safety in his own box he was dispossessed, allowing an easy finish from Cian Dillon. But the young defender refused to let his head drop and with what seemed like some encouraging words from coach Kevin Doherty, some beautiful playmaking by him provided the assist for Keegan Ancelin to surgically convert the equaliser.
On the pitch, initially, there was little to lighten the mood given the need for all three points to land in Drogheda, but a lot to give our unwanted companion cause to shout about. The game was evenly balanced for the first 25 minutes before the visitors pounced on an error by Edwin Agbaje. Trying the shepherd the ball to safety in his own box he was dispossessed, allowing an easy finish from Cian Dillon. But the young defender refused to let his head drop and with what seemed like some encouraging words from coach Kevin Doherty, some beautiful playmaking by him provided the assist for Keegan Ancelin to surgically convert the equaliser.
Three minutes later the Drogs took the lead through a fine Brandon Kavanagh chip. 2-1 at the break, things were looking up.
For much of the second half Drogheda were the better team but failed to convert their chances, at one point coming close when a Conor Keeley header crashed off the crossbar. It was to prove costly. Approaching the 70 minute mark Dundalk were level through half time sub Ronan Teahan. In the 89th minute Daryl Horgan prepared himself to take a needlessly conceded free kick. I took my ear pod out to catch Paddy's view. This was Horgan's speciality he explained. And so it proved to be. A brilliantly executed free kick curled its way home leaving Luke Dennison with no chance. Truly, a great finish, worthy of a matchwinner.
For much of the second half Drogheda were the better team but failed to convert their chances, at one point coming close when a Conor Keeley header crashed off the crossbar. It was to prove costly. Approaching the 70 minute mark Dundalk were level through half time sub Ronan Teahan. In the 89th minute Daryl Horgan prepared himself to take a needlessly conceded free kick. I took my ear pod out to catch Paddy's view. This was Horgan's speciality he explained. And so it proved to be. A brilliantly executed free kick curled its way home leaving Luke Dennison with no chance. Truly, a great finish, worthy of a matchwinner.
Results from elsewhere were a mixed bag. Bohemians as expected trounced Sligo which keeps the Drogs one step above the bottom rung. Unexpectedly, Waterford won 0-2 at St Pat's, leaving Drogheda in the play off position. Waterford have to be the story of the season. Favourites for the drop up until a new coach arrived they have since clawed their way to safety and look destined to stay there.
If Drogheda were to play like that every week, they would win more matches. But even if they lose the fans could leave the ground knowing that they had watched a team rolling forward rather than rolling over.
If Drogheda were to play like that every week, they would win more matches. But even if they lose the fans could leave the ground knowing that they had watched a team rolling forward rather than rolling over.
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