Drogheda United assistant manager John Gill has praised his side’s never say die attitude after they defeated Shamrock Rovers 2-1 at United Park. The Drogs had taken a first-half lead through Sean Thornton’s successful penalty before Graham Burke’s
Drogheda United assistant manager John Gill has praised his side’s never say die attitude after they defeated Shamrock Rovers 2-1 at United Park. The Drogs had taken a first-half lead through Sean Thornton’s successful penalty before Graham Burke’s 89th minute spot kick seemingly earned the Hoops a share of the spoils. Despite their captain Sean Brennan being dismissed for dissent, the Boynesiders netted a dramatic injury time winner via a Burke own goal and Glll believes that the bravery and determination his side showed made them worthy winners. “I thought we were excellent,” the former Dundalk manager admitted post-match. “We haven’t been playing poorly of late but the results kept going against us but the players gave everything we asked of them. “It’s an absolutely massive three points for us as it’s lifted some of the doom and gloom around the place. It felt like two points dropped when we conceded so late on but the lads were determined to finish on the winning side. "I hope the manner of the win will inspire the team going forward." With both Marc Griffin and Stephen Elliott ruled out through injury, Drogheda opted to partner Gareth McCaffrey up front with 18-year-old forward Mark Doyle who was making his first league start of the season. “I thought Mark was a revelation for us. We didn’t tell him he was starting until an hour or so before kick-off so we could help keep his nerve. I think we caught Rovers off guard with our selection and how we lined-up. “We carried the greater threat throughout the game and that was very pleasing against a full-time side like Shamrock Rovers. "The ironic thing about the team selection is that aside from Gavin Brennan, the other 10 players that started were with us last season in the First Division. "It was back to basics for us." The victory put an end to a six-match losing run for the Drogs and the Dubliner is hopeful that the morale-boosting win will see his side continue to rise up the table. “We badly needed the win, there’s no point denying that. The longer you go on a losing run, the tougher it is to come out of it. “We’ve set ourselves a points tally after each round of games and we’re not far away now with three games left to play. "We’ll look forward to the Limerick game next Saturday, we caused them problems last season and hopefully we can do that again."
