Brennan ensures Shels pay penalty
Shelbourne Drogheda Utd 1 1
SEAN Brennan’s stoppage-time penalty rescued a priceless point for Drogheda United in their refixed game at Tolka Park on bank holiday Monday.
A disappointing game sprung to life in the last 15 minutes when Shelbourne broke the deadlock, but they then had former Drogs player Alan Byrne sent off before conceding that hotly disputed spot kick.
Neither side were able to gain any ascendancy in a forgettable first half, during which the biggest cheer was reserved for referee Derek Tomney when he called for a mandatory water break because of the warm conditions.
Ironically, the heat would be turned on the official in the second 45 minutes as Shelbourne found themselves on the wrong end of a few contentious decisions, but just before the break the Drogs finally registered a shot on target - a Mark Doyle effort which was easily gathered by Dean Delany.
James English passed up a great opportunity to put the home side ahead shortly after the restart, and David O’Sullivan then fired straight at Paul Skinner before an English strike was ruled out because of a foul on the Drogs keeper.
O’Sullivan, the First Division’s joint top scorer, didn’t manage to add to his tally of 11 goals but did create the opening for Shels’ breakthrough goal on 73 minutes, setting up half-time substitute Rooney who raced between two defenders before rifling a half-volley into the top corner of Skinner’s net.
Byrne, who had been booked just before that, then got a second yellow card for a needless foul on Conor Kane, but even with an extra man the Drogs didn’t manage to fashion a clear opening until the 88th minute.
Then Doyle sprinted through on goal before going down in a challenge with Shels keeper Delany. Referee Tomney pointed to the spot - and cue furious protests as Delany, Derek Prendergast and Lorcan Fitzgerald were all booked and Shels manager Owen Heary was sent to the stands.
After a long delay Brennan finally stepped forward to convert his third penalty of the season, showing admirable composure as he sent Delany the wrong way from the spot.
Deep into stoppage time 10man Shelbourne almost snatched what would have been a remarkable win as English came within a whisker of connecting with a cross before Reece McEnteer was foiled by Skinner in the final moments. SHELBOURNE: Dean Delany; Arran Molloy, Dave Mulcahy, Derek Prendergast, Lorcan Fitzgerald; Mark Hughes, Alan Byrne, Cian Kavanagh (Dayle Rooney 46); James English, Adam Evans (Reece McEnteer 83), David O’Sullivan. Subs not used: Lee Steacy, Aidan Collins, Shane Farrell, Gavin Boyne, Dylan Grimes.
BOOKED: Arran Molloy (63), Alan Byrne (66, 80), Dean Delaney (88), Lorcan Fitzgerald (88)
SENT OFF: Byrne (80)
DROGHEDA UNITED: Paul Skinner; Colm Deasy, Kevin Farragher, Ciaran Kelly, Conor Kane; Sean Brennan, Jake Hyland, Luke Gallagher; Lee Duffy (Gareth McCaffrey 59), Chris Lyons, Mark Doyle. Subs not used: Luka Gratzer, Lloyd Buckley, Victor Ekanem, Richie Purdy, William Hondermarck.
BOOKED: None REFEREE: Derek Tomney (Dublin) ATTENDANCE: 787