Dean Williams will be the toast of Drogheda – at least until Louth derby hostilities are renewed – as his goal earned Drogheda United a victory in the 168th derby clash at Head In The Game Park.
The close season signing from Longford Town dispatched a penalty early in the second half to earn a second win of the season for Kevin Doherty’s side – and a statement victory at that.
The home side were full value for their win against Stephen O’Donnell’s team who have lost their unbeaten start to the campaign. Sub Steven Bradley energised them in the second half, twice going close to scoring a leveller but Drogheda held out.
There were unsavoury scenes at the end of the game when a number of opposing fans clashed on the pitch. Scuffles broke out but were soon brought to an end by stewards and Gardai.
It did take some of the gloss away from a very positive night for Drogheda, considering a growing list of absentees on Boyneside.
Drogheda were hit this week with the news that Darragh Markey could miss up to three months after fracturing his metatarsal. He joined Ryan Brennan, Luke Heeney and the unfortunate injury prone Mark Hughes on the sidelines but they did at least welcome back Chris Lyons to the squad after his absence from Covid-19.
With Bradley and Lyons both kept in reserve, each of the sides' top goalscorers so far this season were warming the benches from the start.
In an even first half, United had the better of the chances but Dundalk started brightly. Keith Cowan blocked Andy Boyle’s effort before John Martin teed up Pat Hoban. The striker’s effort was wide of the post.
United then went close themselves. Darragh Nugent played in Dean Williams. A smart diagonal run saw the forward round Nathan Sheppard but Boyle was in the way of his goalbound shot.
Sam Long produced a fine save to deny Hoban but he was correctly flagged offside anyway.
Dundalk’s supremacy grew as the first half wore on but the hosts proved capable of passing through them on occasion. After a smart move, Adam Foley forced Sheppard into a save at his near post.
Dane Massey then went close but his improvised effort was blocked on the line by John Martin.
Drogheda United 1-0 Dundalk - Dean Williams gives the home side the lead from the penalty spot in the Louth derby, after Darragh Nugent was bundled over in the box by Greg Sloggett - watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) March 18, 2022
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The penalty arrived four minutes after the restart. Greg Sloggett felled Darragh Nugent and Williams dispatched his spot kick cooly. Drogheda looked more likely thereafter even as Dundalk probed.
Foley hit the crossbar with a long range thunderbolt and went close late on too.
Drogheda United: Sam Long; Georgie Poynton (Andrew Quinn, 83), Sean Roughan, Keith Cowan, Dane Massey; Gary Deegan, James Clarke; Adam Foley, Darragh Nugent, Dayle Rooney; Dean Williams (Chris Lyons, 68).
Dundalk: Nathan Sheppard; Lewis Macari (David McMillan, 71), Mark Connolly, Andy Boyle, Sam Bone; Daniel Williams (Paul Doyle, 71), Robbie Benson, Greg Sloggett, Joe Adams (Keith Ward, 46); John Martin (Steven Bradley, 46), Patrick Hoban.
