Spot kick save vital as U-19s progress
DROGHEDA UNITED CAVAN-MONAGHAN 2 0
DESPITE a dominant performance by Drogheda United in this Under-19 Shield match on Sunday, it was not until the 81st minute that they clinched victory with a brilliant second goal from Eoin McPhillips.
The Drogs looked very solid at the back despite fielding without the injured Luke Ring, with the defensive trio of Dylan Connolly, John Barry and Sean Cronin dominating possession and providing plenty of possession to the midfield and chances for strikers Jordan Adeyemo and Levi Boardman up front.
However, despite that they created few clear-cut chances and the sides went in deadlocked at 0-0 at half-time.
The second half was only two minutes old when Boardman got possession just outside the penalty area and was bundled over as he made his way into the penalty area. The striker’s well-struck spot kick gave the Drogs the lead.
The visitors pressed forward to try and force an equaliser, and on the hour were awarded what turned out to be a disputed penalty, but Drogs keeper Daniel Grace stood tall and made a magnificent save, diving to his right.
This proved to be the crucial point in the match and the Drogs took back the initiative and created some good chances which culminated in the second goal. Sub Gabi Aghinta found McPhillips on the right-hand side of the penalty area and the midfielder looped a brilliant shot over the keeper into the corner of the net for a memorable goal.
The Drogs are away to Finn Harps in the next round of the Shield this coming Saturday. DROGHEDA UNITED: Daniel Grace, Lee McKevitt (Dylan Cullotty), John Barry, Dylan Connolly, Leo Tang (Gabi Aghinta), Sean Cronin, Levi Boardman, Ryan Harte (Frank Cabraley), Jordan Adeyemo (Sean Trimble), Eoin McPhillips, Oisin Proudfoot. Subs not used: Euan Niven, Luke Ring.