Drogheda United have secured their sixth victory of the SSE Airtricity League First Division campaign after a 1-0 away victory over Athlone Town. The opening half was one of very few clear-cut opportunities, as the majority of the game was played i
Drogheda United have secured their sixth victory of the SSE Airtricity League First Division campaign after a 1-0 away victory over Athlone Town.
The opening half was one of very few clear-cut opportunities, as the majority of the game was played in midfield. Drogheda did come close to opening the scoring in the 15th minute, when Chris Lyons’ well executed back heel was picked up by Mark Doyle, but the winger flashed his shot across the face of goal from a tight angle.
The Athlone Town starting eleven featured a number of changes from their defeat to Galway last week, and they looked much more assured in defence. One of those introduced, Tzee Mustapha, was looking particularly lively as he attempted to put the visiting defenders on the back foot.
The closest Drogheda came to an opener was a Sean Brennan free kick five minutes before half time, but his effort from 20 yards creeped a couple of feet past the post. The Louth side would finally make the breakthrough in the 50th minute.
A dangerous cross from the right wing was nodded down to the centre of the goal by Doyle and taken under control by Chris Lyons, who took his time before finishing calmly from six yards. Athlone centre back Bashmil Nyakambili almost handed another goal to the visitors ten minutes later, but his attempted clearance was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Darcy Lawless in the Athlone goal.
Substitute Darren Kavanagh came agonisingly close to grabbing a point for the home side in injury time after he was played through by Ollie Hamzat, with his shot beating the Dorgheda keeper but going inches wide of the post.
The full time whistle sounded directly after, with Drogheda seeing out a reasonably comfortable one goal victory. Next up for Athlone is a trip to UCD, while Drogheda will host Wexford.
