Drogheda United are off the mark for the 2024 SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division season but Bohemians were architects of their own downfall in falling to defeat on an emotional night at Weavers Park.
Wreaths were laid on the pitch pre-match and a minute's silence impeccably observed for Brendan Penrose, the Drogheda United and former Republic of Ireland youth team kitman who passed away this week.
Representatives from both clubs and League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon laid wreaths in the centre circle as the much loved clubman was mourned ahead of his funeral on Wednesday.
The club also announced on Monday that they had bought back their ground from the FAI, which they say is the first major step towards building a brand new stadium on the outskirts of town to serve football in the community for years to come.
Given Bohemians were dealt a supporter ban after Cian Byrne was hit by a flare against St Patrick’s Athletic 10 days earlier, the energy inside the ground was pulling in one direction only from start to finish.
Danny Grant’s own goal and Evan Weir won the game for Drogheda, lifting them from the foot of the table after two defeats in their first two games.
Adam McDonnell met Jordan Flores’ early corner but his header was blocked by Hayden Cann. The hosts did eventually grow into the game after the visitors had seen more of the ball in an encouraging opening 15 minutes.
Grant has never scored against Drogheda, but he notched for them seconds before the half-time whistle. Marking the near post area and not under undue pressure from an opposition player, he headed Weir’s corner into his own net.
Hayden Cann’s goalbound effort was blocked by and when Adam Foley shot on the turn, his strike hit the side netting. Darragh Markey flashed a shot across goal after Drogheda had won the ball high up the pitch too.
Danny Grant, marking space at the near post, headed Evan Weir’s corner into his own net under no pressure from an opposition player. Ony he will know what was running through his head.
Weir’s 40-yard free-kick doubled the advantage early in the second half. He arrowed a ball into the area, which the Bohs defence allowed to bounce before it beat Kacper Chorazka.
Clarke’s goal was well taken indeed. Wogan failed to adequately deal with a corner and Clarke managed to contort himself and finish with his back to goal. But that didn’t stir Bohs in any real sense.
They had arrived with an almost impeccable recent record at the Windmill Road venue but despite Declan Devine making a host of second half changes - including bringing on Dayle Rooney who arrived in the close season from Drogheda - they never looked likely to equalise. Their unbeaten start to the season, ironically, has gone up in smoke.
Drogheda United: Andrew Wogan; Luke Heeney, Hayden Cann, Jack Keaney, Evan Weir; Gary Deegan, Oisin Gallagher; Adam Foley (Warren Davis, 62), Darragh Markey, Zishim Bawa; Frantz Pierrot (Ryan Brennan, 71).
Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Michael Lilander, Cian Byrne, Aboubacar Keita (Declan McDaid, 85), Jordan Flores; Adam McDonnell, Brian McManus (Dayle Rooney, 52), James Clarke; Daniel Grant (Dylan Connolly, 62), Martin Miller (James Akintunde, 62); Sten Reinkort (Filip Piszczek, 46).
Referee: Gavin Colfer
