Drogs fears over McGuinness after Candystripes stalemate

DERRY CITY extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a scoreless draw at United Park that leaves Drogheda winless in seven.

Pete Mahon’s side were the better here and will rue not coming away with a victory after both Sean Brennan and Marc Griffin fluffed great chances.

And Drogs’ worries didn’t end there. When claiming a Nicky Low corner, United goalkeeper Stephen McGuinness landed awkwardly and there was much concern in United Park as he lay stricken in the ground.

He was attended to by a group of medics an eventually taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Ryan Coulter.

Making his league debut, Coulter had little to do as Derry failed to make much of their time on the ball. The goalkeeper comfortably saved Ronan Curtis’ well hit strike.

Brennan will wonder how he failed to give Mahon’s team the lead when he horrible miscued from Adam Wixted’s pull-back.

Centre-back Luke Gallagher also went close but after a superb Drogheda move involving Wixted and Griffin, his shot was deflected wide.

Former Derry man Griffin had Drogheda’s two best early chances in the second half.

He saw his shot blocked by Conor McDermott and then shot straight at Ger Doherty when a pass was the better option.

Kenny Shiels’ men provided a threat of their own. Low’s shot from the edge of the area was blocked. Then Coulter’s strong hand turned the bright Mikhail Kennedy’s effort behind.

Late on, Jake Hyland’s shot was saved and in injury-time, Rory Holden’s header was well wide of the goal.