Brace of victories in a row give Drogheda Town a timely boost

DROGHEDA Town put back-toback defeats behind them on Wednesday night as Seán Brennan’s side recorded a 3-2 win at home to Midsutton Sportslink – and that was then followed up by a 2-1 win away to Rush Athletic.

The Midsutton side travelled to Blackstone Motors Marian Park two points ahead of Drogheda in the Division 1B Sunday standings and coming in off the back of four victories in their last five league games.

However, the hosts started much brighter and after consecutive games without a goal they hit the front on six minutes.

Drogheda continued to dominate chances but went into the break just one goal ahead.

Luke Haggins had been kept busy in the Town goal, though, and he was beaten five minutes into the second half as Midsutton levelled.

Brennan got an immediate response from his side, though, as they went downfield and Emmanuel Santos hit the back of the net to restore the lead.

Mid-way through the half Town were awarded a penalty and Santi El-Petra stepped up and powered a low shot into the bottom righthand corner to make it 3-1.

There was a nervy finish for Town as Midsutton did pull one back with 15 minutes remaining, but the home side held their nerve to see out a much-needed win.

Then, on Sunday, Drogheda made the journey to a sun-kissed north-Dublin and were very much full value for their win against Rush Athletic.

Both sides had chances early on, with Rush going close, but it was Drogheda who struck first when Santos got on the end of a swift team move to put his team ahead.

It remained 1-0 heading into the break, but midway through the second half Conor Costello doubled Town’s lead. Rush struck back almost instantly, setting up a nervy final 20 minutes. The conditions allowed some fast-flowing football, although the sun clearly took it out of players, but Drogheda showed enough resolve to hold on for the win.

The Marian Park outfit now have a break until next Monday when they welcome TEK United to Drogheda and the break will give Town a chance to get some players back from injury.

The two teams met on the opening night of the season and Drogheda ran out 3-0 winners on that occasion.

Then on Wednesday evening Town welcome Dublin University to Blackstone Motors Marian Park. Town will have two further games before the season’s end and Brennan will be keen to finish as high as possible.