Bohemians withstood a late barrage at United Park to come away with a point against Drogheda United, a result that suits Alan Reynolds' side more so than United, who remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Kevin Doherty had to contend with former Drogs star Dayle Rooney lining out in the Gypsies attack. He scored one goal and created another as Bohemians came from behind to lead in an action packed first half.
The second 45 minutes brought just one goal but plenty of drama as after Leigh Kavanagh’s late dismissal for two yellow cards, Drogheda laid seige to the Bohemians goal.
The away team had Kacper Chorazka to thank for a stunning injury-time save to deny Adam Foley and Frantz Pierrot saw a goalbound effort blocked with the game’s final act.
Shane Farrell had got United’s first and after Rooney and a James Bolger own goal turned the game, Cian Byrne put into his own net to level matters.
Dundalk losing at home to Galway eases the pressure on Bohs at least and allows Drogheda to ever gain on their foes. It could have been a worse night but Doherty might feel it could have been better too.
With Shelbourne boss Damien Duff watching on from the stands, Farrell produced a stunning dead ball effort to hand Drogheda the lead.
From 25 yards out, his free-kick found the top corner. It was an effort worthy of the 'postage stamp’ description, leaving Chorazka with no chance whatsoever.
Duff, whose side face Bohemians in three weeks time, very publicly criticised Farrell’s application earlier in the season as the midfielder fell out of favour at Tolka Park. He has impressed early in his United career, with his goal here further endearing him to the home faithful.
The Drogheda supporters were welcoming back a more familiar fan favourite in Rooney to United Park but it was the former Drog who levelled from the penalty spot when Pierrot caught Byrne in the area after Luke Dennison’s punch clear from a corner failed to clear the 18-yard box.
The goalkeeper dived the right away in attempting to stop the spot kick, but the power in Rooney’s shot had him beat.
Just four minutes later, Rooney’s corner was turned into his own net by Bolger at the back post. United had invited Bohs onto them by dropping too deep and it was no surprise Reynolds side took advantage.
Rooney, Adam McDonnell and Ross Tierney all had chances to score a third for a Bohs who have only bagged a treble in one game so far this season. None of those opportunities were taken and Drogs took advantage.
They won possession in midfield and the ball was worked to Conor Kane. His low centre ended up in the net via Byrne’s legs.
It was hard-hitting stuff throughout the second half, with chances arriving at both ends. When Kavanagah was shown red, the impetus was with Drogheda. They couldn’t quite find the winner.
Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Andrew Quinn, David Webster (Darragh Markey, 59), James Bolger; Elicha Ahui (Jack Keaney, 49), Luke Heeney, Ryan Brennan (Adam Foley, 78), Shane Farrell, Conor Kane; Frantz Pierrot, Douglas James-Taylor.
Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Martin Miller, Cian Byrne, Leigh Kavanagh, Liam Smith; Ross Tierney, Adam McDonnell (James Clarke, 84), Dawson Devoy; Alex Grieve (Declan McDaid, 73), James Akintunde (Danny Grant, 84), Dayle Rooney (Jevon Mills, 90+2).
Referee: Robert Harvey
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