Report from Robert O'Reilly at United Park Shelbourne will take a slender advantage back to Tolka Park after they defeated Drogheda United 1-0 at United Park. After an even opening, Shels made their height advantage count as James English headed th
Report from Robert O'Reilly at United Park
Shelbourne will take a slender advantage back to Tolka Park after they defeated Drogheda United 1-0 at United Park.
After an even opening, Shels made their height advantage count as James English headed the visitors into the lead as he powered Lorcan Fitzgerald's corner beyond Paul Skinner.
Drogheda had strong appeals for a penalty turned down on 28 minutes as Chris Lyons tumbled under the challenge of Derek Prendergast with the Shels centre-back relieved to see only a corner awarded.
Shels dropped deeper in the second-half and despite Drogheda dominating possession, the closest they came to drawing level was a speculative 30-yard free-kick from Sean Brennan.
Drogheda threw extra bodies forward in the closing stages but it was to no avail as Shels take a lead heading into Monday's second leg.
Drogheda United: Paul Skinner; Colm Deasy, Luke Gallagher, Ciaran Kelly, Conor Kane; Sean Brennan, Jake Hyland, Richie Purdy; Gareth McCaffrey (William Hondermarck 82), Chris Lyons, Mark Doyle
Subs: Luca Gratzer, Kealan Dillon, Kevin Farragher, Janabi Amour, Lloyd Buckley, Rob Manley
Shelbourne: Dean Delany; John Ross Wilson, Derek Prendergast, Aidan Collins (Reece McEnteer 50), Lorcan Fitzgerald; Shane Farrell (Adam Evans 74), Mark Hughes, Alan Byrne; Karl Moore, David O'Sullivan, James English (Gavin Boyne 90)
Subs: Lee Steacy, James Brown, Patrick Kavanagh, Dayle Rooney
