Shamrock Rovers dropped points for the third time in four outings as Drogheda United once again lived up to their bogey team billing against the champions at Weavers Park.
Remarkably, Kevin Doherty's team are unbeaten in six league games against their illustrious and more monied opponents. It says much about their ability to mix it with the big hitters in the Premier Division.
But with a European tie to come against Breidablik in midweek, another winless night for Rovers points to an inconsistency in results that will be a cause for concern amongst those connected with the Hoops.
With Elicha Ahui having returned to parent club Lincoln City, Luke Heeney slotted in at right back in Drogheda’s only change from their draw away at Turners Cross.
Bradley, meanwhile, made four changes from the Shamrock Rovers team who lost in the Wee County to Dundalk last time out. Strikers Rory Gaffney and Graham Burke were introduced as was Darragh Nugent, who spent a season on loan with United last season.
In a surprise move, Conan Noonan was handed a first career start for Rovers’ senior side in midfield. Richard Towell and the returning Ronan Finn were on the bench.
Each of Sean Gannon, Lee Grace, Gary O’Neill and Jack Byrne were independently assessed ahead of the game but none made even the bench.
Given the obvious differences in resources, aims and expectations, it is a credit to the work of Doherty and his team that they have gone toe-to-toe with Rovers over a sustained period of time and never once been overawed.
Rovers began the game coming fast out of the blocks, as if they had a point to prove. Gaffney hit a shot across goal and wide before Graham Burke’s effort stung the palms of young Andrew Wogan in midfield.
However, the hosts grew into the game and Emmanuel Adegboyega, otherwise outstanding throughout, headed well wide when free in the area from a corner.
After half-time, it was an even affair for the most part. Dylan Watts’ shot skimmed the top of the crossbar after Burke was crowded out while Heeney went closer at the other end.
The Bellewstown native smacked an effort from all of 35 yards against Leon Pohls’ upright. It was as close as anyone came.
Watts curled a shot just wide too, but it was harmless.
An expected Rovers onslaught late on never materialised despite attacking substitutions aimed at forcing the issue. United defended on the front foot and chances were at a premium.
Five minutes of injury time may have offered the travelling fans hope but there would be no winner.
Drogheda United: Andrew Wogan; Luke Heeney, Emmanuel Adegboyega, Conor Keeley, Evan Weir; Gary Deegan, Darragh Noone; Adam Foley, Darragh Markey, Dayle Rooney (Aaron McNally, 74); Ryan Brennan.
Shamrock Rovers: Leon Pohls; Daniel Cleary Roberto Lopes, Sean Hoare; Darragh Nugent (Ronan Finn, 78), Dylan Watts, Conan Noonan (Johnny Kenny, 61), Markus Poom, Sean Kavanagh; Rory Gaffney, Graham Burke (Aaron Greene, 78).
Referee: Kevin O'Sullivan
