Drogheda United assistant manager Kevin Doherty couldn’t hide his disappointment after his side were defeated 3-1 by newly crowned First Division champions Shelbourne at a packed United Park. The Drogs had the opportunity to overtake Shels with a wi
Drogheda United assistant manager Kevin Doherty couldn’t hide his disappointment after his side were defeated 3-1 by newly crowned First Division champions Shelbourne at a packed United Park. The Drogs had the opportunity to overtake Shels with a win but a red card for Sean Brennan and three second-half goals from the visitors leaves Drogheda needing a win against Bray Wanderers next week to secure second place. “It’s a bitterly disappointing result to take,” Doherty explained post-match. “Congratulations to Shelbourne on their promotion but I feel like the major moments of the game just went against us this evening. “I was speaking to Jason McGuinness and he mentioned that Shels wanted to make it into a battle and we fell into their trap. I don’t think we played the type of football that we’re capable of and that’s disappointing.” Drogheda were reduced to 10 men early in the second-half as Sean Brennan, who had been booked for dissent, was shown a second yellow card following an aerial challenge with Shels breaking the deadlock only a couple of minutes later. “I didn’t think the second yellow card was necessary, it’s a genuine challenge for a dropping ball in the box and Sean is such a hugely influential player for us. “It came at possibly the first time in the game when I felt we were really on top and a quality side like Shels will make you pay for it.” Despite the odds being firmly against them, Drogheda drew level on the night though centre-back Luke McNally but it was short lived as late strikes from Oscar Brennan and Lorcan Fitzgerald sealed Shels’ Premier Division return. “I’ve never worked with a better and more honest group of players. They really don’t know when they’re beaten and I really felt at 1-1 that we were going to do it. “We went all out for the win and Shels had the man advantage and the experience to pick us off at the right time.” A win at the Carlisle Grounds next week will secure second place and qualification to the second round of play-offs for the Boynesiders with Doherty convinced that the club is moving in the right direction. “Anyone that was here tonight could see the potential that this club has. Myself and Tim Clancy have loved our two years here so far and it was great to sign on for another two during the week. “Not many people thought we’d get into the play-offs. let alone challenge for the title, but we need to lift ourselves once again against Bray and secure second place.”
