Drogheda United 3 - 0 Limerick FC
Credit:
Drogheda United recorded their first league win in nine games as they thrashed Limerick 3-0 at Hunky Dorys Park.
Leading scorer Declan O’Brien was once again the man in form as he put the home side in front just before the interval and second half goals from brothers Gavin and Ryan capped off an impressive display against a disjointed Limerick side.
New signing Gavin Holohan was joined on the bench by the returning Eric Foley as Mick Cooke made two changes from the eleven that defeated Derry earlier in the week as Gavin and Ryan Brennan came in for Alan Byrne and Jason Marks.
Meanwhile, former Drogheda player Stuart Taylor made two enforced alterations from last week’s victory over Cork as the suspended pair of Shaun Kelly and Dave O’Leary were replaced by Shane Costello and Jason Hughes respectively.
Clearly buoyed by their semi final victory on Monday, United made the brighter start and a slick passing move involving Gavin Brennan and David Cassidy saw the former pick out O’Brien in the box but his drilled attempt was diverted wide by Barry Ryan.
The Drogs continued to mount early pressure and with ten minutes played a clever free kick from Cassidy released Cathal Brady down the right but his cross was parried by the already busy Ryan in goal.
Limerick slowly began to get a foothold in the game without threatening Drogheda Keeper Michael Schlingermann and it appeared as though the game was teetering out until half time before O’Brien struck.
A long ball out of defence from Schlingermann was headed on by Michael Daly into the path of Fabio who evaded the challenge of defender Stephen Folan to finish high into net, his 13th league goal this season.
It was almost 2-0 a couple of minutes later as Cassidy knocked the ball onto O’Brien and his shot was pushed across goal by Ryan only for Costello to clear off the line with Gavin Brennan closing in.
A quiet start to the second half saw Limerick assert some early pressure only for United to catch them on the counter attack, a harmless long ball was misjudged by Folan only for Gavin Brennan to pounce in behind and produce an excellent first time finish past the helpless Limerick netminder.
Drogheda were now in cruise control and they were awarded a penalty on 75’, a one-two between Paul O’Conor and Brady resulted in the ball landing in front of O’Brien and his first time effort was adjudged to have been handled by Robbie Williams.
Ryan Brennan produced a moment of class as his Panenka penalty gave Ryan no chance and sealed Drogheda’s first victory in the league since they last beat Limerick back in May at Thomond Park.
Limerick substitute Axel Bosekotta missed an excellent opportunity to put his name on the scoresheet as with only a couple of minutes remaining he dispossessed United captain Derek Prendergast only to pull his shot horribly wide.
A comprehensive victory for United as they close the gap on the sides above them with Derry City up next on Friday at the Brandywell.
