19th April 2010

Dundalk v Drogheda United

Match Report

Newstalk 'A' League
Dundalk 1 Drogs 1

After their narrow defeat last week to UCD, the Drogs fielded at near full strength and played an entertaining 1-1 draw at Oriel Park. Captain Stephen Murphy made a timely return from suspension, as did Derek Kierans, and Chris Kerr lined out in the middle after his recent injury. Ciaran Hoey slotted in a right back. Released from defensive duties, Paul Matondo lined out a left midfield with Colm Smith and Monday up front.

This was a good entertaining game with two well-matched teams and it must be said that it was well refereed by Neil Doyle, which helped the run of the game immensely. Paul Matondo was yellow-carded after 7 minutes after some heavy tackling, but settled down to play an influential role for the rest of the game.

The home side fielded a few members of their first team panel, but were continually frustrated by great and intelligent defensive work by Murphy and Ross. On 33 Monday robbed a static defence but his cross to Matondo forced the midfieder to strike the ball with his right foot (the one he uses for standing-on)  and the ball went harmlessly wide. Although we made a few more chances in the first half, we went in at half time 0-0.

We started the second half well and Oscar Sabanda replaced Nicky Foster five minutes in. Competing against a taller and stonger Dundalk back line Monday and Colm created a few chances and Matondo's well placed pass pn 56 saw Colm shoot narrowly wide. We continued to pressure their back line and on the hour took the lead when, from a good Monday corner, Colm stood his ground on the line and the home keeper fisted the ball into his own net. After good pressure Dundalk equalised on 73 when the Drogs defence confused themselves and Joe was caught off his line.

On 77 the Drogs came close to the winner when a great Derek Kierans free came back off the angle of the paost and crossbar and bounced to safety. Right on the 90 minutes, a great break on the right saw Colm Smith's shot blocked out for a corner and that was about it. A good performance and plenty to look forward to in the A Championship this Season.

Team: Joe Flangan, Ciaran Hoey, Derek Kierans, Stephen Murphy,Kevin Ross, Ronan McEntaggert, Nicky Foster (Oscar Sabanda), Chris Kerr, Paul Matondo, Colm Smith, Monday Amwoyi.

Subs not used: Conor Healy, Alex Reilly