Lyons’ dream is still intact
Drogheda see off Shels
CHRIS LYONS’ Premier Division remained intact on Monday evening while Davy O’Sullivan’s disintegrated.
Lyons’ Drogheda United were the victors of a dramatic promotion play-off second leg penalty shootout at Tolka Park to set up another play-off with Finn Harps as they remain in the hunt for the top flight.
The sides clashed on Friday at Hunky Dorys Park in the first leg and it was advantage to Wicklow Town man O’Sullivan after that. Both Lyons and O’Sullivan enjoyed the full 90 minutes at the Co. Louth venue as James English’s 25th minute strike handed Drogs the advantage.
Lyons - a postman - almost fired United in front in that tie but his effort lacked power and was saved by Shels goalkeeper Dean Delany - also a postman. Lyons was also involved in a contentious penalty decision as former Seagulls Derek Prendergast appeared to bundle the 25-year old over but the referee disagreed.
O’Sullivan was also in the thick of it on Friday and passed up a golden opportunity six yards out when he met English’s headed cross with his own header but Paul Skinner pulled off a brilliant point-blank save.
Fast forward to Monday and a remarkable night at Tolka Park. O’Sullivan was benched as Lyons once again started. Shels were reduced to 10 men after 10 minutes. Drogheda levelled the match by the 33rd minute and four minutes later another red card saw the hosts reduced to nine men.
Lyons, who delivered the cross for Drogheda’s opener, looked to have punished Owen Heary’s side as he embarked on a mazy run through the Shelbourne defence and he kept his cool to apply the finish.
Somehow though, the nine men of Shelbourne forced extra time with a goal on 77 minutes.
After 30 more scoreless minutes, it was time for a shoot-out. Lyons was first up and tucked it away. O’Sullivan, introduced in the 120th minute for this purpose, made it 1-1 but Drogheda would eventually prevail 2-4 and must now do it all again on Friday as they host Finn Harps in the next stage of the play-off.