Meade and Brodigan help form solid Drogs defence
February 1992
THE regular supporters of Reserve team football at United Park, through small in number, got plenty to enthuse over on Saturday last when Drogheda United Reserves had to come from behind to defeat St. Patricks Athletic Reserves by the odd goal in three.
The winners showed two changes from that which drew 2-2 with U.C.D. Reserves at Belfeild the previous week, the experienced Charlie O’Reilly and newcomer Tony McDowell, replacing John Carton on stand by for first team duty and Paul Meade, who was confined to hospital with illness.
O’Reilly was in his element in the rip-roaring encounter especially during the concluding stages when Pats fought hard to snatch an equaliser. His experience really told as he urged on his more younger colleagues with Graham Brereton, Shane Brodigan and Joey Meade responding heroicly to form a solid back four.
Behind them Declan Campbell handled the ball expertly to bring off a couple of outstanding saves at vital moments. ‘ The- hard-working Mark Brereton dominated the midfield sector playing a leading role in this hard earned victory while Paul Fahy, Paul Brogan and the two front runners Hubert Gannon and Gavin Ryan did all required of them throughout the game.
United fell 1-0 down before the equaliser eventually came in the 65th minute when Paul Brogan availed of a slip up in the Pats defence following a United midfield free and taking the opportunity he rounded the goalkeeper before steering the ball home from 8 yards. A minute later Fahey was just narrowly wide in another home attack but in the 70th minute United snatched the winner. Fahey crossed from the right for Gannon to gain possession and with a rasping drive he gave Kenny no chance with an unstoppable shot.
Drogheda United Reserves: D. Campbell, G. Brerton, J. Meade, C. O’Reilly, S. Brodigan, M. Brereton, T. McDowell, P. Fahey, H. Gannon, G. Ryan, P. Brogan, 12 R. Hackett for McDowell (52nd min), 13 G. Smith