Drogheda put a serious dent in Derry’s title hopes

Derry City 0-2 Drogheda United

Drogheda United put a serious dent in Derry City’s faint title hopes at the Brandywell last night. And it would be fair to suggest that Declan Devine will be glad to see the back of Mick Cooke and his men as the Boynesiders had already dumped the Candystripes out of the EA Sports Cup semi-final at this venue the previous week.

Drogheda doubled the dose with the Brennan brothers producing the goals on either side of half-time as the home lot huffed and puffed in front of a disappointing attendance.

Gavin Brennan and Declan O’Brien went close to breaking the deadlock during the early stages before the home lot created their first chance in the 36th minute.

Ruaidhri Higgins powered a header over the crossbar following a corner but it was the United who broke the deadlock two minutes later.

Simon Madden and goalkeeper Ger Doherty appeared to get into a mix-up in defence and when O’Brien shot had been parried by Doherty, Gavin Brennan rose high to head the lose ball home from close range.

And it got worse for the Declan Devine’s side after the break when Shane McEleney impeded Ryan Brennan, pushing the midfielder in the broad of the back, as he raced into the danger area.

Well-placed referee Alan Kelly had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Derry were in serious trouble.

Having dusted himself down, up stepped Ryan Brennan to confidently drive the ball home from the spot and Derry’s title aspirations began to seriously fade.