A Sean Brennan hat-trick was enough for Drogheda United to defeat Limerick 3-2 in a pulsating contest at United Park. Drogheda came close to opening the scoring after just five minutes when Brennan picked out Chris Lyons in the box but he was denie
A Sean Brennan hat-trick was enough for Drogheda United to defeat Limerick 3-2 in a pulsating contest at United Park.
Drogheda came close to opening the scoring after just five minutes when Brennan picked out Chris Lyons in the box but he was denied by a super sliding challenge from Killian Brouder.
The hosts’ persistence was rewarded on 20 minutes as an underhit headed back pass from Brouder was pounced upon by Brennan who sent a looping header of his own over the advanced Jack Brady for the opener.
While Limerick’s final ball was letting them down, it was Drogheda’s finishing that was stopping them from doubling their lead as Lyons fluffed his effort on the stroke of half-time.
It appeared as though those misses would prove costly when Limerick were awarded a penalty on 63 minutes as Shane Treacy was fouled by Luke Gallagher. Treacy picked himself up to make no mistake from the spot as he leveled matters.
Less than three minutes later and Drogheda had a penalty of their own. A high boot from Brouder on Stephen Meaney saw referee Adriano Reale point to the spot and Brennan rolled the ball beyond Brady for the lead.
As if there wasn’t enough drama, the Boynesiders were awarded the third penalty of the evening after Lyons was felled by Brouder. Once again Brennan stepped up and once again he beat Brady to complete his hat-trick.
The contest was still far from over though as substitute Adam Foley powered the ball into the roof of the net to set up a grand stand finish. Limerick threw caution to the wind in the dying stages but it was to no avail as Drogheda held on for the win and leapfrogged them into the play-off places.
