Drogheda United assistant manager Kevin Doherty was full of praise for his side after they came from behind to defeat Longford Town in a pulsating contest at United Park. Dean Dillon had given the visitors an early lead but a fine brace from Gareth
Drogheda United assistant manager Kevin Doherty was full of praise for his side after they came from behind to defeat Longford Town in a pulsating contest at United Park.
Dean Dillon had given the visitors an early lead but a fine brace from Gareth McCaffrey crucially sees Drogheda leapfrog Longford back into the play-off places with Doherty thrilled with his side’s performance.
“I knew the players would give us a response,” the Dubliner explained post match. “I thought we were absolutely excellent tonight, bar the few minutes before and after Longford’s goal.
“It was a cheap goal to give away and knowing that we had to win, it really knocked us back. Credit to the players, they got their composure back and created so many chances.
“I think the goals came at a good time for us and aside from their keeper heading one wide at the end, I thought we were comfortable against a really good side."
Drogheda drew level on 36 minutes as Gareth McCaffrey curled a low free-kick into the bottom corner with the forward then netting the winner midway through the second-half for his sixth of the campaign.
“It’s not been the best of seasons for Gareth, he’s had issues with his ankle and hasn’t really been able to get a run of games but his quality has never been in doubt.
“The free-kick was perfect and when he was put in through on goal for the winner, I’d absolutely no doubt that he was going to score. His legs faded afterwards but his class was the difference tonight.”
Drogheda’s play-off destiny is now firmly in their own hands as a win on the final night of the season away to Cobh will make whatever Longford Town’s result against UCD meaningless with Doherty calling for one final push from his side.
“The job is only half done at this stage. You can see how much it means to the players to make the play-offs and we’ll need to produce another performance like that again."
