Frantz Pierrot finally scored his first league goal for Drogheda United to deny Derry City the chance to close the gap on leaders Shelbourne in any meaningful way at least.
His 86th minute striker was a goal worthy of winning any game and while it won merely a point for his team, the manner of the comeback felt like a victory.
Will Patching thought he had scored the goal of the game in first half injury time, but Pierrot outdid him late on. Michael Duffy had earlier cancelled out Warren Davis early opener.
It's another good performance that has failed to yield three points for the hosts but the manner of the late rally will be pleasing. For Derry, they are yet to win back-to-back games this season and inconsistency appears to be as much as an issue as it’s ever been.
Adam Foley was unavailable for Drogheda having tied the knot to Nadine on Thursday. He was replaced by Zishim Bawa but Andrew Wogan was missing once again. Jethren Barr, who spent time training with Derry last year, deputised.
There was still no Patrick Hoban for Derry, who named an unchanged team from the side who comprehensively beat another Louth club, Dundalk, a week earlier. Ex-Lilywhite Michael Duffy, with eight career goals against United, would pose a threat regardless.
Whilst arriving on Boyneside as favourites – and with leaders Shelbourne in their sights – Derry had only on victory in six previous visits to Weavers Park, drawing four of those.
United’s recent draws with St Patrick’s Athletic and Damien Duff’s side pointed to a team that remained an awkward proposition for the league’s leading teams.
Referee Damien MacGraith was already well acquainted with this fixture as he got the game underway five minutes after the scheduled kick off time of 7.45pm. He was taking charge of a clash of these teams for the fifth time in two years.
For the fourth time this season, Drogheda scored the first goal of the game at Weavers Park. This time it was their earliest effort yet, inside three minutes. Andrew Quinn and Darragh Markey exchanged passes before the latter fed Oisín Gallagher.
The Derry-born midfielder swept a cross into the six yard box where Warren Davis applied a finish from close range.
United were dealt a blow when the injured Andrew Quinn was withdrawn after just 20 minutes, replaced at right back by left footer Conor Kane. Soon after Evan Weir followed him off the field, limping heavily.
In fact, the defender needed underwent treatment on the far side of the pitch after he was substituted before a stretcher was eventually summoned.
Derry levelled the game almost instantly. Daniel Kelly slipped in Paul McMullan and from the byline, he stood a cross up to the back post where Duffy was Drogheda’s scourge once again.
Patching’s goal on the stroke of half time was one to remember but Kevin Doherty will rue how much time he was afforded to advance and pick his spot. He did it expertly.
United’s threat was intermittent in the second half and they did survive seeing Daniel Mullen’s header come off the post. But Pierrot’s late intervention will live long in the memory. It would be the start of many more to come.
Drogheda United: Jethren Barr; Andrew Quinn (Conor Kane, 20), Luke Keaney, Hayden Cann, Evan Weir (Aaron McNally, 29); Gary Deegan, Oisin Gallagher; Zishim Bawa (David Webster, 46), Darragh Markey, Warren Davis (Killian Cailloce, 76); Ryan Brennan (Frantz Pierrot, 76).
Derry City: Brian Maher; Ronan Boyce, Mark Connolly, Cameron McJannet, Ciaran Coll (Jordan McEneff 90+1); Adam O’Reilly, Will Patching; Daniel Kelly (Patrick McEleney, 77), Paul McMullan, Michael Duffy; Daniel Mullen (Ben Doherty, 85).
Referee: Damien MacGraith
