St Patrick's Athletic and Drogheda United couldn’t be separated at Weavers Park but it will be Kevin Doherty, and not Stephen Kenny, who will be happiest with the share of the spoils.
The scoreless draw means United have ended a dismal run of four consecutive defeats that saw them sink to the bottom of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division, below rivals Dundalk who were so beleaguered not so long ago.
The point lifts them back off the bottom once again and what is especially pleasing for United is a first clean sheet in 13 games, going all the way back to 1 April.
Captain Gary Deegan missed out for Drogheda United once again through injury, while Oisin Gallagher was also missing. From the defeat to Sligo on Bank Holiday Monday, Frantz Pierrot was dropped with Adam Foley introduced.
FULL MATCH DETAILS
In his only change from the defeat to Dundalk, Stephen Kenny had Ruairi Keating available again. Cian Kavanagh dropped out.
Th St Pat's manager was dealt a blow in the opening 30 minutes. Ryan McLaughlin – whose Saints career has been blighted by a series of injuries – fell to the turf and knew his night was over. The former Northern Ireland international had tears in his eyes as he limped off the Weavers Park pitch.
Joe Redmond would follow him off the pitch and onto the treatment table in the second half while Conor Keeley was replaced at the break too. By the end of the time, Jamie Lennon and Jason McClelland were operating in full back roles on either side.
Drogheda couldn’t take advantage of that, but they went close. In injury time, the lively Zishim Bawa headed just wide. He had two opportunities before that as well and he will be disappointed none of his three sights on goal were on target.
Pat’s could have snatched victory themselves late in the game. Jake Mulraney’s tame shot didn’t trouble the goalkeeper. Earlier, Jamie Lennon had a guilt-edged chance to claim the win but his connection with a left wing cross was poor.
The visitors huffed and puffed but Drogheda defended stoutly. After making a habit if giving away dreadful goals, with mistake aplenty, recently, it gave them a chance. Jack Keaney – who had a shot in the second half that briefly had hearts in mouth – was exceptional, as was Conor Kane.
For Kenny, it’s now just one win in seven matches since taking over last month. Their struggles go on. He won’t be satisfied with a draw.
Drogheda United: Andrew Wogan; Luke Heeney, Andrew Quinn, Jack Keaney, Conor Kane; Matthew O’Brien, Ryan Brennan (Warren Davis, 85); Adam Foley (Frantz Pierrot, 79), Darragh Markey, Evan Weir; Zishim Bawa.
St Patrick’s Athletic: Danny Rogers; Ryan McLaughlin (Aaron Bolger, 31), Conor Keeley (Tom Grivosti, 46), Joe Redmond (Jamie McClelland, 66), Luke Turner; Jamie Lennon, Chris Forrester, Kian Leavy; Jake Mulraney, Ruairi Keating (Cian Kavanagh,74), Mason Melia (Alex Nolan, 74(.
Referee: Declan Toland
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