LEAGUE OF IRELAND: Drogheda 0 Shamrock Rovers 1GARY TWIGG came to Shamrock Rovers' rescue yet again when he struck for the winner in the 81st minute to secure three points for his side and keep their title ambitions alive at United Park last night. The vital goal came when Ollie Cahill crossed from the left for poacher Twigg who guided the ball to the net.
It was rough justice on Drogheda who deserved at least a share of the spoils from a match they dominated for long spells.
Indeed their misfortune on the night was confirmed right at the end when only the woodwork prevented them from forcing a draw.
After just seven minutes Drogheda won a free 25 yards from goal which James Chambers clipped round the wall but into the arms of goalkeeper Barry Murphy.
It took Rovers 24 minutes to threaten and then in the space of 60 seconds Twigg twice came close to opening their account.
Firstly Pat Flynn’s pass sent him clear but he lifted his effort wide. Then Shane Robinson’s delivery picked him out but again the striker failed to hit the target.
After 35 minutes Murphy was pressed into action again when he somehow managed to claw Jamie Duffy’s goal-bound effort to safety.
Just before the break United threatened again as Chambers played a neat one-two with Eric McGill only to see his shot stopped by Murphy.
Rovers upped their game early in the second half as Pat Sullivan’s cross picked out Robinson whose header came off goalkeeper Paul Skinner’s shoulder before he gathered it at the second attempt.
Drogheda created another chance on 58 minutes when Chambers’ long ball from defence found Duffy who turned his marker brilliantly before shooting towards the bottom right-hand corner but yet again Murphy got down to save.
As the half wore on Rovers began to assert themselves and Twigg fired straight at Skinner after 61 minutes.
Ten minutes later Stephen Bradley’s free picked out Aidan Price, but he saw his header pushed over the bar by Skinner. Bradley’s corner kick found Craig Sives who powered his header wide.
Rovers nearly made it 2-0 in the 90th minute as Sives’ header was headed from the line by Brendan McGill.
Drogheda’s night was summed up in injury time when Chambers’ free-kick beat Murphy but came back off the upright.
DROGHEDA UTD:Skinner, Ryan (Bates 88), Gibb, Kenna, McNally, E McGill E, B McGill, Chambers, Duffy, Barrett (Martin 63), Gaynor.
SHAMROCK ROVERS:Murphy, Flynn, Sullivan, Price, Sives, Cahill, Robinson, Rice, Johnston (Bradley h-t), Purcell, Twigg (Cowan 90).
Referee:A Buttimer (Cork).
