Drogheda United manager Tim Clancy couldn’t fault the efforts of his players despite being knocked out of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup at home to Waterford. Bastien Héry’s early strike was all that separated the Premier Division and First Division
Drogheda United manager Tim Clancy couldn’t fault the efforts of his players despite being knocked out of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup at home to Waterford.
Bastien Héry’s early strike was all that separated the Premier Division and First Division sides with Clancy disappointed to see Drogheda’s Cup run come to an end.
“I thought we were excellent,” the 34-year-old explained post match. “Maybe we lacked a little bit of quality in certain moments compared to Waterford but we were far from outclassed and arguably played the better football over the course of the game.
“It’s a tough defeat for the lads to take because they left everything they had out on the pitch and on another night, the result would’ve gone our way.”
In a tie of few chances, Héry’s 30-yard strike after four minutes deceived Paul Skinner in goal with Clancy acknowledging that his side are short of attacking options at the minute.
“I think we were all caught a little cold at the start. We know how good Akinade is in the air so we had two men on him to win the header and then the loose ball fell to Héry.
“Paul has apologised to the team afterwards but there was no need for it. He feels he could’ve done better with it but it’s hardly a mistake, sometimes you have to praise the shot too.
“I have an unbelievably honest squad who have given me everything this season but maybe we’re lacking one difference maker in the final third of the pitch.”
Drogheda return to league action next Friday when they host First Division leaders UCD in a crucial game in the race for promotion in the First Division.
“Making the play-offs has been our goal since day one. It’s a massive game for both sides. UCD are an excellent team but this is only our second home defeat of the season.
“I think we’ve shown today and against Shamrock Rovers that we tend to raise our game depending on the opponents and hopefully we’ll have another big performance in us on Friday."
