Finn Harps will have to come from behind to get anything from Drogheda United as Adam Wixted’s header has the visitors in front.
Half-time: Finn Harps 0 Drogheda United 1
By Chris McNulty at Finn Park
Harps haven’t been as defensively sound this season as had become the norm during Ollie Horgan’s reign – and there was a further addition for that portfolio in the manner of Drogheda’s opening goal on the half-hour.
It felt like a deception to see Wixted able to adjust himself to nod back across Ciaran Gallagher from five yards after connecting with Stephen Elliott’s whipped cross from the stand side.
Drogheda were League of Ireland champions as recently as 2007, but have just returned to the top flight after a difficult period for the County Louth club.
Pete Mahon is attempting to re-establish the Drogs in the Premier but, after winning their opening two games, they lost six on the spin.
Last week’s 3-0 defeat by Limerick was described by Mahon as ‘absolutely dreadful’.
There was certainly a renewed spark about them here and they went close in the opening minute. After Elliott’s shot was deflected into his path, though, Wixted couldn’t keep his shot on target.
Drogheda had the better of things and it took a fine saving challenge from Ciaran Coll to prod possession away from Gareth McCaffrey, who ghosted in behind to take receipt of a long ball into the Harps penalty box.
They deservedly hit the front when Wixted nodded home and they might’ve had a second, but Gavin Brennan, finding himself free of Harps attention, powered a header into the Town End from Sean Thornton’s free.
Harps’ first attempt on goal came in the 40th minute as Caolan McAleer dipped a shot just a fraction too late to call Stephen McGuinness, the visiting netminder, into action.
Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Damien McNulty, Kilian Cantwell, Ciaran Coll; Ethan Boyle, Michael Funston, Barry Molloy, Caolan McAleer, Gareth Harkin; Paddy McCourt; Sean Houston.
Drogheda United: Stephen McGuinness; Colm Deasy, Luke Gallagher, Ciaran McGuigan, Conor Kane; Adam Wixted, Sean Thornton, Richie Purdy, Gavin Brennan; Gareth McCaffrey, Stephen Elliott.
Referee: Rob Harvey.
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