Drogheda United and Waterford played out a forgettable scoreless draw at Sullivan & Lambe Park, in one leg of a barren Premier Division evening.
A point apiece does nothing to further both teams objectives in any meaningful way. United at least have extended their unbeaten league sequence to three games as they chase European qualification with just nine matches to play now.
John Coleman's team are eight points clear of Sligo Rovers in ninth, having played a game more. But they are adrift of the teams hoping to maintain a top four push. This result changes little for them.
After his goalscoring appearance off the bench at Dalymount Park last week, Josh Thomas was handed a first Drogheda start since February in attack while Shane Farrell replaced Luke Heeney in midfield.
In attempting to end a run of four games without victory against the Drogs, Coleman made two changes for the Blues, with Kyle White and James Olayinka replacing the absent Darragh Leahy and Finlay Armstrong.
Waterford’s run of three straight victories was ended at Richmond Park last weekend and Drogheda were likely to provide another stern test for them, themselves on a three-match winning streak in all competitions.
Back-to-back one-nil wins in the league had already re-energised their bid for European qualification in 2026 and this result keeps them very much in the conversation. They are level on point with second placed Derry City, in fact.
At the 27-match mark, that is quite an achievement for this Drogheda team. They have improved to such an extent this season that this is a result that they will have expected to win. To take only a point will be disappointing.
They might have shaded it and certainly had the better opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. Thomas Oluwa turned out for the Blues two years ago and almost proved had them beaten by the Boyne.
In he first half, the pacy attacker left Jordan Rossiter floored in midfield before darting into the penalty area, only to see his shot deflected over by White.
Oluwa went closer again in the second half, when he turned quickly to latch onto Conor Keeley’s flick on. His shot hit the side netting on the near post side.
Owen Lambe and Thomas also had sighters on goal while Waterford could count only tame enough long range efforts from Rossiter and Conan Noonan for their efforts.
The latter at least forced a save from Luke Dennison, but it was simple really.
Coleman did not make a change until the 86th minute and the Blues simply did not look likely to win it. A flurry of late corners gave Drogheda a chance, but the visitors saw it out.
Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; James Bolger, Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn; Owen Lambe, Ryan Brennan, Shane Farrell (John O’Sullivan, 77), Conor Kane; Darragh Markey; Thomas Oluwa (Dare Kareem, 85), Josh Thomas (Warren Davis, 62).
Waterford: Stephen McMullan; Rowan McDonald, Andy Boyle, Ryan Burke; Grant Horton, Jordan Rossiter, James Olayinka, Kyle White; Conan Noonan, Padraig Amond, Tommy Lonergan (Trae Bailey Coyle, 86).
Referee: Marc Lynch
