Derry City ended their four-match winless run against Drogheda United at Weavers Park but had goalkeeper Brian Maher and the woodwork to thank as they moved to within three points of Bohemians at the top of the Premier Division table
The Candystripes had not enjoyed their recent visits to Louth, nor when Wee County opposition make their way to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. Only Dundalk had a longer unbeaten run against Derry in the Premier Division than Drogheda.
Kevin Doherty had not suffered defeat against Derry in four games, including three draws last term. The most recent meeting last month ended with Elicha Ahui's goal securing United the points.
Adam O’Reilly’s first Derry City goal, scored in the 12th minute, settled the match. The visitors had opportunities to score a second, but none as clearcut as the hosts managed.
On-loan Lincoln City striker Freddie Draper netted two in as many games over the bank holiday weekend, but he will wonder how he didn’t fire his fourth of the season.
Ruaidhri Higgins also opted for youth in attack at Weavers Park. Twenty-year-old Cian Kavanagh was re-introduced in place of Jamie McGonigle, with Colm Whelan injured.
There were also starts for Jordan McEneff and Ciaran Coll, as the visiting pack was shuffled.
The only goal came via the boot of O’Reilly. McEneff backheeled the ball into the midfielder’s path on the edge of the Drogheda box, after good build-up play involving Sadou Diallo, Coll and Ryan Graydon.
His shot arrowed into the bottom corner, leaving McCabe well beaten.
McEneff nearly laid on another shortly after that. His cross was met by Cian Kavanagh but his firm header lacked accuracy.
As the half wore on, Drogheda’s foothold grew stronger. Dylan Grimes forced Brian Maher into a save from a narrow angle but Draper had the most presentable opportunity.
Dayle Rooney and Darragh Markey were involved before the teenager ran onto Ryan Brennan’s ball over the top. He held off Shane McEleney and beat the goalkeeper, but not the crossbar with a delicate chip.
Draper went ever closer in the second half. After Darragh Markey lofted a cross into the area, Draper was unmarked but his header was somehow repelled by a sprawling Maher who made a save to saviour. It surely will be by all associated with Derry City.
Drogheda lost two of their first-choice back four to injury but despite the losses and with Higgins’ making three attacking substitutions himself, the visitors didn’t threaten a second as much as they perhaps should have.
Drogheda United: Colin McCabe; Elicha Ahui (Luke Heeney, 21), Emmanuel Adegboyega, Conor Keeley (Warren Davis, 75), Aaron McNally; Ryan Brennan, Gary Deegan; Dylan Grimes (Adam Foley, 62), Darragh Markey, Dayle Rooney; Freddie Draper.
Derry City: Brian Maher; Ciaran Coll, Shane McEleney, Cameron McJannet, Ben Doherty; Sadou Diallo, Adam O’Reilly, Jordan McEneff (Will Patching, 64); Ryan Graydon (Ollie O’Neill, 74), Cian Kavanagh (Jamie McGonigle, 75), Michael Duffy (Ronan Boyce, 89).
Referee: Damien MacGraith
