Drogheda’s first game in the Brandywell
WITH three goals coming in the last eleven minutes—during which Drogheda, trailing 2—0, put in a storming finish to level the scoring at 2—2, gave the fine attendance (gate £300), an exciting ending to the first-ever game between Derry City and Drogheda at Brandywell Derry, on Saturday evening last.
Played before what must have been the most appreciative “away” spectators they have yet encountered on their various trips to clubs north and south of the border, the Boynesiders got a fine welcome from the Derry fans who applauded good football
Yet when the Derry men, well tutored and marshalled by the former Everton and Port Vale player-coach, Jimmy Hill, who figured at outside right, scored their second goal with only eleven minutes to go, the game seemed as well as over.
However, Drogheda fought back and within four minutes Joe Wilson, who was a great favourite with the home fans, reduced arrears. John Murphy (Glcnavon and ex-Dundalk), guesting impressively for Drogheda at right full, took a free almost on the right corner flag as Wilson was fouled. Whelan nodded his centre down for Wilson to shoot past Eddie Mahon from close range.
With three minutes to go, Arthur Fitzsimons was fouled and from the resultant penalty kick Ray Keogh shot past Mahon. But the referee ordered the kick to be retaken as Whelan was just inside the area as Keogh kicked the ball. However, Wilson made no mistake with the second attempt, and Drogheda had forced a draw.