Drogheda United assistant manager John Gill believes his side pushed league leaders Cork City all the way as they lost 1-0 at United Park. Both sides missed presentable opportunities in the first-half before Cork broke the deadlock and Gill feels t
Drogheda United assistant manager John Gill believes his side pushed league leaders Cork City all the way as they lost 1-0 at United Park.
Both sides missed presentable opportunities in the first-half before Cork broke the deadlock and Gill feels the champions-elect haven't had many tougher games this season.
"Morale victories aren't much to us at this stage," Gill acknowledged after the game. "They've thumped us twice already this season but we showed some self-respect and that was with seven teenagers in the squad.
"I believe we should've had a penalty late on but there's a wrong way and a right way to lose a game and we went down swinging tonight."
Stephen Dooley struck the crucial winner ten minutes into the second-half as he capitalised on a couple of mistakes in the Drogheda backline though Gill was delighted with the effort and commitment of his players.
"I thought we could've defended it better. It came from a long goal kick and they're a big side, we looked like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs tonight, but Shane Elworthy could've dealt with the header better and maybe Stephen McGuinness should've stayed in his goal.
"You can accept genuine mistakes like that because they are an honest bunch of players. We didn't have that for long periods this season and I think the fans got behind us tonight because they could see we were fighting for every ball."
In more positive news for Drogheda, the club announced the signing of defender Dave Mulcahy after the game and Gill is convinced the veteran is going to be a big success on the Boyneside.
"He's a physical freak of nature. The detractors will look at his age and asks why are they signing a 39-year-old but he's still got plenty in the tank.
"Myself and Pete Mahon have worked with him before so we know what he's all about. He's an infectious personality and he'll be a leader and motivator for all of our young players.
"I think our fans are going to love his all action style."
