Demolition derby as Dundalk overwhelm outclassed Drogheda

Dundalk 7 Drogheda Utd 0

The Louth derby became the demolition derby last night as Dundalk blew neighbouring Drogheda United away to move back to the top of the Premier League table.

Stephen Kenny’s men took a one goal lead into the half-time break thanks to Sean Gannon before turning on the afterburners in the second half by adding six more without reply.

It gave Dundalk sweet revenge for the 4-1 loss to their rivals on the opening night of the season. The hosts started with intent and Daryl Horgan tested Drogheda United goalkeeper David Ryan after just 25 seconds.

It wasn’t until the 28th minute that Drogheda created an opportunity. Ciaran McGuigan found space 25-yards from goal but he fired his effort well over the top.

Dundalk’s pressure eventually told a minute later as both of their full-backs combined to good effect. Dane Massey’s slaloming run on the left took him into the Drogheda box. His cut-back to the near post was turned home by Sean Gannon for the youngster’s first competitive goal at Oriel Park.

Eric Foley’s inswinging free-kick clipped a post for the visitors in the 48th minute.

It proved to be as close as they came as Dundalk quickly put the game to bed.

Horgan swept home a rebound fro their second after 51 minutes after Kurtis Byrne’s shot had been parried by Ryan.

Drogheda’s Foley was sent-off for dissent.

Five minutes later. Chris Shields’ lofted pass into box allowed substitute Paul Crowley head the ball over the hapless Ryan and into his own net.

Two goals in the space of two minutes from Andy Boyle and sub David McMillan took the score to 5-0. Richie Towell got in on the act with 12 minutes to play, turning home another devilish cross from Meenan before Keith Ward found McMillan who completed the rout.
DUNDALK: Cherrie; Gannon, Gartland, Boyle, Massey; Towell, Shields; Meenan, Byrne (Ward 79), Horgan (Griffin 73); Hoban (McMillan 64).
DROGHEDA UTD: Ryan; Daly, Andrews, McNally, Grimes; Holohan, Foley, McGuigan, Walshe (Crowley 57); O'Brien (O'Connor 76), O'Neill (Hughes 73).
Referee: Tomas Connolly.
Attendance: 2,383.