Drogheda United manager Tim Clancy bemoaned his side’s defensive frailties as they crashed to a surprise 4-1 defeat to Cabinteely at United Park. A second-half hat-trick from Cabo forward Rob Manley was the difference between the teams on the evenin
Drogheda United manager Tim Clancy bemoaned his side’s defensive frailties as they crashed to a surprise 4-1 defeat to Cabinteely at United Park.
A second-half hat-trick from Cabo forward Rob Manley was the difference between the teams on the evening as Drogheda slipped to their second three goal defeat in their opening four games.
“We’re giving away too many soft goals at the moment,” Clancy acknowledged post-match. “The decision by Skins (Paul Skinner) to come for the ball and then foul ultimately changed the entire game.
“I thought we slightly edged it first-half despite being far from our best but then we gave them something to hold onto.
“All four of the goals we conceded tonight were so poor to give away and that has to stop.”
Drogheda, who were already without the injured pair of Kevin Farragher and Adam Wixted, suffered a further injury blow as Thomas Byrne was substituted early on with Clancy’s small squad being stretched to the limit.
“We’re not looking for excuses because injuries are a part of football. We lost Tom through a knee injury and then we had to take Chris Lyons off as he felt something in his hamstring.
“That's coupled with Kevin Farragher, Adam Wixted and Jake Hyland all missing. None of this is ideal but it's meant to be a chance for the other players in the squad to step up and prove themselves.’
With just four points to show from as many games played, the Boynesiders face a crucial trip to Galway next week with Clancy optimistic that his side will provide a response.
“There aren’t many league games in the First Division so each one carries a huge importance. Galway has the feel of a big game and it’s an opportunity for us to put things right.”
