Derry City's poor discipline once again came back to haunt them, as league leaders Drogheda United came from behind to defeat the ten-man Candystripes 3-1 at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Trailing to Liam Boyce's header the contest was completely turned on its head when the striker was dismissed moments after he broke the deadlock and United centre-back Conor Keeley helped himself to a brace, before Warren Davis fired home his fourth goal in five games, to seal the points.
Two goals in three minutes for Conor Keeley! 🤯
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) April 11, 2025
The Drogs have turned the game on its head following Liam Boyce's dismissal. pic.twitter.com/KECDtMfEs3
To their credit Kevin Doherty's side raised their game after the dismissal and in the end, they took their chances and ran out comfortable winners.
Derry missed a great chance to break the deadlock just after the half-hour mark as Liam Boyce's cushioned lay-off found Michael Duffy, but his low strike 12 yards was straight at United goalkeeper Luke Dennison.
Moments later a Shane Farrell left-wing corner found Thomas Oluwa at the back post, but the frontman's header, which had Brian Maher scrambling, flew just past the right-hand post.
The home side took the lead on 61 minutes as Ronan Boyce's right-wing cross found Liam Boyce at the near post, the striker rose well to head home his first goal for the club.
Unfortunately, Boyce's night came to an end soon after as he was rightfully sent-off after picking up a second caution when he fouled Keeley on the half-way line.
Kevin Doherty's side didn't take long to capitalise on the man advantage as they equalised on 64 minutes as Farrell's right cross picked out Keeley, who coolly side footed home from 12 yards.
The big defender gave United the lead four minutes later when he chested the ball down before blasting home on the volley, giving Maher no chance.
In-form Davis wrapped the points up when he made no mistake turning the ball home from close range on 84 minutes, after City failed to clear Owen Lambe's long throw into the six-yard box.
Derry City: Brian Maher, Ronan Boyce, Hayden Cann (Shane Ferguson 75), Mark Connolly, Kevin Holt; Carl Winchester, Robbie Benson (Gavin Whyte 75), Adam O'Reilly, Daniel Mullen (Sean Patton 85), Liam Boyce, Michael Duffy.
Drogheda United: Luke Dennison, Conor Kane, Andrew Quinn, Darragh Markey, Thomas Oluwa, Shane Farrell (Luke Heeney 72), James Bolger, Ryan Brennan (Paul Doyle 85), Conor Keely, Owen Lambe, Warren Davis.
