Hoops held at home by Drogheda
By Daire Walsh
Defending champions Shamrock Rovers remain second in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division following their 1-1 draw with Drogheda United at Tallaght Stadium yesterday evening.
Eager to bounce back from their defeat to arch rivals Bohemians in Dalymount Park last Monday, the Hoops took the lead through Graham Burke’s 18th-minute penalty.
However, Drogs responded with a second half goal from Chris Lyons and this was enough to deny Rovers the win they craved.
Although St Patrick’s Athletic were also held away to Waterford on Friday, the Saints remain in pole position by virtue of having scored more goals than the Hoops.
Given it was the latest test pilot for the safe return of supporters to outdoor sporting events, 1,000 spectators were permitted to attend this game – similar to Rovers’ previous home encounter against Finn Harps.
This was Stephen Bradley’s 200th game in charge of the Hoops, a spell that has seen him guide the Dubliners to an FAI Cup and League of Ireland Premier Division crown.
His side began this contest in encouraging fashion and ultimately edged in front courtesy of a successful spot-kick by Burke.
While this was the only goal of the opening period, Rovers appeared to be in firm control of their own destiny.
Yet, the title holders haven’t had it all their own way this season with late winners often being required in order to garner maximum points.
Despite some disappointing results, Drogheda – who included Knocklyon native Dane Massey amongst their starting line-up – have enjoyed a productive return to the Premier Division.
Former Cherry Orchard and St Patrick’s Athletic footballer Darragh Markey has added considerable energy to their side and he helped the visitors to win a penalty of their own just past the hour mark.
Up stepped former Shamrock Rovers ‘B’ attacker Lyons to dispatch the resulting set-piece beyond the reach of Alan Mannus and leave the hosts to chase the game once again.
Rory Gaffney was close to rattling the Drogs net late on, but a second Hoops goal never materialised.