Shamrock Rovers lead the Premier Division by six points from challengers Derry City – but a draw against Drogheda United at a wet and windy Head In The Game Park has left the door open for a dramatic conclusion to the title race.
Having booked their FAI Cup Final place earlier in the afternoon, Derry City eyes would have been as much concentrated on events at Head In The Game Park as they were on the RSC in Waterford where Shelbourne were confirmed as their final opponents.
With games running out, Ruaidhri Higgins knows his side's slim title hopes rely on Rovers faltering towards the finish line. The sides meet on the penultimate matchday in two weeks’ time but a Derry victory there would be in vain if Rovers do not lose points elsewhere.
Rovers faltered against Drogheda, failing to beat Kevin Doherty’s team for the third time in four league outings this season. Graham Burke’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Chris Lyons. The Hoops did not do enough to warrant the victory.
Six points separate the teams with Derry holding a game in hand and a titanic clash scheduled for 30 October. That will be one to savour, regardless of allegiance.
United’s rearguard action late on was all the more impressive given influential midfielder Gary Deegan was sent off with 18 minutes, including six added on, still to play.
Stephen Bradley made four changes from the side who fell to defeat against Molde three days previously, with Neil Farrugia, Andy Lyons, Graham Burke and Rory Gaffney reintroduced.
The first presentable opportunity of the match fell to Sean Hoare. The centre half failed to exert any control over his shot after Jack Byrne's corner found him at the back post as he slashed wildly over the crossbar.
Lyons was denied a ninth goal of a memorable personal campaign when his header was saved by Drogheda goalkeeper Colin McCabe. The wing back advanced into the area unmarked and met Farrugia’s delivery but McCabe sprang to his right to deny him.
Burke’s opener arrived as Farrugia once again plundered down Rovers’ right. He beat Dane Massey to the byline and pulled back for Burke and the striker opened his body and produced an expert finish into the far corner.
Rather than allow Rovers to assume total control once in front, Drogheda responded well. Dylan Grimes, who earlier saw a free-kick held by Alan Mannus, again tested the veteran goalkeeper with an on-target effort.
For the third time in league and cup competition this season, Drogheda notched an equaliser against their illustrious opponents.
When Adan Foley hit an opportunistic volley at Mannus, he failed to hold it. Chris Lyons anticipated the loose ball while the visiting defenders stood and watched.
Foley almost snatched a lead goal just before the half-time whistle but the goalkeeper was equal to his header.
Richie Towell, with six career goals against Drogheda to his name, was introduced at the break but little changed. In an open game, both sides attacked each other as the rain fell.
Rory Gaffney dragged an effort wide when free in the area. Dylan Watts had a shot deflected just over too but even after Deegan’s dismissal – for a poor late challenge on the same player – chances were at a premium.
Drogheda United: Colin McCabe; Darragh Noone, Andrew Quinn, Keith Cowan, Dane Massey; Gary Deegan; Adam Foley (Emre Topcu, 67), Dylan Grimes, Darragh Markey, Dayle Rooney (Callum Ralph, 90+3); Chris Lyons (Dean Williams, 83).
Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus (Leon Pohls, 61); Daniel Cleary (Sean Gannon, 87), Roberto Lopes, Sean Hoare; Neil Farrugia, Dylan Watts (Aaron Greene, 86), Gary O’Neill (Richie Towell, 46), Andy Lyons; Jack Byrne, Graham Burke; Rory Gaffney.
Referee: John McLoughlin.
