Drogheda United's four-game unbeaten run in the League of Ireland Premier Division ended with a 2-0 home defeat to St Patrick's Athletic. The loss, reported by www.google.com, leaves Kevin Doherty's side ninth in the table with 28 points from 28 games, a record of six wins, ten draws, and twelve losses.
Anthony Olusanya struck for the visitors in the 17th minute, and Barry Baggley sealed the points deep into injury time. The result extends St Patrick's Athletic's perfect record against Drogheda this season to four wins from four meetings and moves them within four points of leaders Shamrock Rovers.
How did the match unfold?
The game started with St Pat's on the front foot. Seán Hoare missed a free header from a Chris Forrester corner in the 10th minute. The pressure told seven minutes later when Aidan Keena played a ball over the top for Anthony Olusanya, who scored for the second consecutive league game. Drogheda's response was limited, with Shane Farrell firing wide in the 25th minute after being set up by Thomas Oluwa and Alfie Bates.
Frustration was evident from the home bench. During a first-half water break, manager Kevin Doherty was heard shouting angrily at his players, "You’re f**king miles off it". Goalkeeper Luke Dennison also required treatment during that stoppage. The half ended with Dennison saving a Forrester free-kick, but boos from some home supporters greeted the whistle.
Did Drogheda United improve after the break?
Drogheda showed more fight in the second half but failed to seriously test the St Patrick's Athletic goalkeeper. Warren Davis saw an effort blocked by Luke Turner shortly after the restart. Thomas Oluwa then missed the target from a Shane Farrell corner. At the other end, Anto Breslin forced a save from Dennison in the 75th minute.
Late chances fell to Edwin Agbaje, whose touch from a corner went wide, and James Bolger, for whom the ball wouldn't fall in the box during added time. The visitors put the result beyond doubt when substitute Barry Baggley finished after a pass from fellow replacement Ryan Sheridan.
What does this mean for Drogheda United's season?
The defeat is a setback for Drogheda, who had recently won an FAI Cup game comfortably. Their recent league form now reads one win, two draws, and two losses from the last five, with consecutive defeats. With 31 goals scored and 45 conceded this season, defensive solidity remains a challenge. The club sits 26 points behind league leaders Shamrock Rovers, a gap highlighted in the current standings.
Manager Kevin Doherty made five substitutions in search of a spark, introducing Conor Quinn, Jamie Doyle, Frantzdy Pierrot, Luke Kavanagh, and Dean Godden. The team must now regroup ahead of their next fixture, a home match against seventh-placed Galway United on September 4th. Fans can track the team's preparations and view the full squad list as they look to bounce back from this result.
