Drogheda’s Premier Division status hangs by a slim thread as it
finished honours even at the Carlisle Grounds.
With six points separating the clubs with just two games remaining, Yael Haro’s sixth minute free was cancelled out by Shane O’Neill’s 39th minute penalty.
It now means the Louth club must beat Shamrock Rovers and Galway United in their last two games, while hoping that Bray lose to St Pat’s and Shamrock Rovers, coupled with a seven-goal turnaround in order to avoid relegation.
After 14 games without a win since last July, United broke the
deadlock in the sixth minute.
Darragh McNamara was felled 25-yards out and Spanish defender Haro curled the free-kick around the wall and beyond the reach of the diving Matt Gregg for his first goal for the club.
The Boynesiders went agonisingly close to adding to their lead on the quarter hour.
Robert Duggan’s goal-kick was flicked on and McNamara’s touch allowed John Flood to burst clear. But with just Gregg to beat, the former Seagull rolled the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.
Wanderers had a clear shout for a penalty waved down in the 33rd minute by referee Paul Tuite after Jamie Harris appeared to block Shane O’Neill’s cross with his arm.
But the Wicklow side did get a spot-kick in the 38th minute when Yaro became the villain after bringing down Chris Shields.
The decision was made by assistant referee Mark Gavin with the
visitors protesting the foul was outside the box.
Robert Duggan was booked for delaying the 12-yarder before O’Neill converted for his 17th of the season in all competitions.
The Seasiders went close to completing the comeback via route one in the 59th minute.
Gregg’s free was flicked on by Shields as O’Neill arced clear. His
half-volley on the run was brilliantly kept out by Duggan who got down well to save.
United went close soon after with Darren Meehan bringing a fine save out of Gregg. Then in the 66th minute, O’Neill poked just wide after Dean Zambra’s cross.
United had an 85th minute chance to win it. From Flood’s centre, there was a scramble at the back post with sub Ryan Brennan blasting the loose ball high and over.
The away side almost snatched a 96th minute victory. Jamie Harris rose to steer a header which Gregg did well to claw out from under his crossbar.
Bray Wanderers: 1 Matt Gregg; 2 Daire Doyle, 5 Adam Mitchell, 5 Derek Prendergast (12 Colm Tresson 90 m ins), 3 Dane Massey; 7 Dean Zambra, 6 Danny O’Connor (15 Shane O’Connor 80 mins), 8 Gary Dempsey, 11 Ian Tuohy; 9 Shane O’Neill, 10 Chris Shields.
Subs not used: 14 Graham Kelly, 16 Marty Waters, 25 Brian Kane.
Drogheda United: 1 Robert Duggan; 6 Corey Treacy, 5 Alan McNally, 15 Jamie Harris 3 Yael Haro; 8 Darren Meehan (19 Ryan Brennan 66 mins), 16 Mick Daly, 10 Paul Crowley, 9 Peter McMahon, 11 John Flood, 13 Darragh McNamara.
Subs not used: 14 Ronan McEntaggart, 7 Brendan McGill, 17 Steven Campbell, 1 Paul Skinner
Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).
