MARK GROGAN HITS WINNER

An outstanding midfield display by John Flanagan more than compensated for the absence of David Fairciough and David Nugent as Drogheda United Boys inflicted a first home defeat on Athlone.

The Boynesiders got off to a great start when a Derek Shevlin cross was headed home by Martin Beggs after one minute. Darius Kierans (right) hit the crossbar with a 30 yard free kick before Aaron Reynolds was unfortunate to put through his own goal for the equaliser.

In the second half, United, upset by some referee decisions, went all out for the points and were rewarded when Mark Grogan beat the offside trap to score. With time running out Martin Smith killed off the game when he finished a move started by Wayne Kelly.

Afterwards, former United stalwart, Ray McGuigan was high in his praise of John Flanagan stating: ‘I would love to watch a game like that every week’.

United Boys’ recent unbeaten run has seen them move to third in the Premier table. Next week they are away to Wayside Celtic at Golden Ball in the Youth Cup and a special bus will be available to supporters.