Late Whelan strike grabs spoils for Drogheda

National League: Drogheda United and Bohemians served up by far the best match witnessed at United Park all season.

A goal down at the break, the visitors struck twice early in the second half. United levelled matters before, in a dramatic twist, Gavin Whelan struck for the winner three minutes into additional time.

Drogheda won a penalty after 41 minutes when Declan O'Brien was hauled down in the box by Aidan Collins. Damien Lynch stepped up and cracked the ball to the bottom left hand corner.

The visitors equalised on 54 minutes when John Paul Kelly drove his shot past the helpless Dan Connor. And two minutes later Bohemians took the lead when Aidan O'Keeffe made no mistake from eight yards.

On the hour United levelled matters when Gavin Whelan flicked to the net with a deft header.

Bohemians were then reduced to 10 men when Collins was sent off for a hefty challenge on Jermaine Sandvliet, and Drogheda made their numerical advantage tell when Whelan struck late for the decisive score.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor, Lynch, Webb, Whelan, Gray, Gartland, Robinson, Bradley (Fahey 62), O'Brien, Ristila (Leech 62), Sandvliet (Malcolm 86).

BOHEMIANS: Gregg, Rice, Byrne, Hunt, Harkin, Farrelly, Grant (Oman 72), Kelly (O'Brien 90), O'Keeffe, Keddy, Collins.

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).