Tense draw

WATERFORD and Drogheda remain in the race for promotion from the First Division following a tense and hard fought 1-1 draw in Waterford last night.

The first goal came four minutes into the second half when Paul Sculty curled in a ball from the right corner flag, Darren Browne flicked it on and Colin Fanning stabbed in at the far post.

Drogheda refused to panic and were rewarded on 69 minutes when John Flanagan crashed home the equaliser.

A free by Alto Whelan wasn't cleared and Flanagan struck the ball powerfully to the net from just inside the area.

At St Mel's Park Athlone Town's promotion hopes ended in dramatic fashion when they were beaten 3-2.

After just 90 seconds, Athlone player/manager Terry Eviston was sent off after clashing with Galway's Billy Cleary, who was booked. The home side took the lead in the 28th minute through Ray McLoughlin, but Galway equalised four minutes later through Harry Costello.

Galway grabbed their second through an Alan Oliver own goal in the 74th minute, while two minutes later the visitors made it 3-1 through Derek Rogers.

With seven minutes to go Trevor Molloy scored a penalty for Athlone, but it wasn't enough and Galway, despite having Billy Cleary sent off in the 87th minute, held on for the win.