Tough run continues for Town
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DROGHEDA Town conceded five goals for the third time in five matches as they slumped to defeat away to Clondalkin in this Major Division clash on Friday night.
A first win of the campaign the weekend before had raised hopes that it might be a turning point for the men from Marian Park, and victory in the capital would have lifted them to sixth in the table.
Even when trailing 2-0 at the halfway point, Town were very much in the contest, having played into a stiff wind in the first period and held Clondalkin scoreless until a quick-fire brace put the hosts in the driving seat.
Manager Robbie Horgan’s instructions to shoot on sight with the wind at their backs were followed to the letter when Sean Callaghan unleaashed an unstoppable effort from more than 40 yards that flew past the Clondalkin keeper - 2-1.
However, that single-goal deficit remained for a mere five minutes as the hosts cancelled out Callaghan’s strike before adding a fourth goal on the counter-attack.
Town were given fresh hope when good build-up play from the back ended with a chance for Keith Boyle who beat the Clondalkin keeper in a one-on-one to register his third goal in three games.
But despite pushing hard for another goal which would have set up a grandstand finish, it was Clondalkin who had the final say with their fifth goal in injury time.
On the plus side, 17-year-old Lee McGuinness came off the subs bench and performed really well in his time on the pitch.
Town have now played all of the division’s top three sides, plus CIE Ranch who remain unbeaten, and they will hope for a kinder run of fixtures in the coming weeks.
They do have home advantage this Friday evening against fellow strugglers Manortown United at Blackstone Motors Marian Park. The kick-off is at 7.45. •There was better news for Drogheda’s other Leinster Senior League side as Boyne Rovers won 2-1 away to Doddervale/Orwell United in the Major 1 division.
The Parkview men now have six points from their opening three games and could move into a challenging position should they win their games in hand.