Drogheda Utd 2 Dundalk 2:JAMES CHAMBERS'S last-minute equaliser gave Drogheda United a share of the spoils against neighbours Dundalk in another heated Louth derby at United Park last night.

Dundalk were left fuming at the result after seeing Michael Daly harshly sent-off in the 57th minute for an innocuous-looking challenge on Conor Kenna. The sending off, the fifth in games between the sides this season, came just 60 seconds after referee Dave McKeon gave a yellow card to Liam Burns for cynically taking down Jamie Duffy en route to goal.

The home side got off to a dream start in the 10th minute. Chambers stepped up to unleash a free-kick past Peter Cherrie from 25-yards.

The visitors replied in style just three minutes later. Chris Turner delivered a corner from the left and Ger Rowe made no mistake with a thumping header past Steve Williams.

With both defences on top, chances were at a premium for the remainder of the half. Cherrie thwarted Chambers with his legs while Burns scooped an effort over the bar from close range for Dundalk after a Mickey Collins header back across goal.

With half-time just seconds away, Seán Connor’s men edged in front. Rowe did brilliantly to angle a high ball into the path of Darren Mansaram and the striker slid the ball past Williams.

The mercury levels began to rise in the 56th minute as Burns’s tackle sparked a small melee. Daly then was sent off for a high foot on Kenna as the card count rose to one red and six yellows.

Cherrie looked to have won the points for Dundalk with a string of good saves but Chambers had the last laugh with a stinging effort from 18-yards that found the net via the underside of the crossbar.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Williams; Gibb, Kenna, McNally, Clarke; McGill, Crowley (McGill, 84 mins), Chambers, King (Bates, 77 mins); Gaynor, Duffy.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Shaun Kelly, Burns, Heary, Murphy (McAreavey, 53 mins); Daly, Collins, Turner, McKinlay; Mansaram (Mulvenna, 79), Rowe.

Referee: D McKeon (Meath).