Drogheda United assistant manager Kevin Doherty heaped praise on match winner Sean Brennan as his side defeated Limerick 3-2 in a pulsating contest at United Park. The Drogheda midfielder netted a hat-trick on his return to the side from injury wit
Drogheda United assistant manager Kevin Doherty heaped praise on match winner Sean Brennan as his side defeated Limerick 3-2 in a pulsating contest at United Park. The Drogheda midfielder netted a hat-trick on his return to the side from injury with Doherty quick to point out the 33-year-old’s importance as they moved into the play-off places. “Sean’s hamstring has been bothering him for the last month so we’ve had to manage his game time,” the former Shels boss explained post-match. “Once he was able to come through training we had no hesitation in starting him. “Sean is so influential for us and I think you can see how much he inspires the others. He’s one of our leaders out on the pitch and he was the difference between the sides tonight.” In an action packed second-half, referee Adriano Reale awarded three penalties, two for Drogheda, with Doherty believing that his side could’ve had even more on the night. “I certainly didn’t have any issues with the penalties that we were given! I actually thought we should’ve had one earlier when Chris Lyons’ legs were taken from him when he was about to shoot. “I thought Limerick’s penalty was harsh but it was just one of those games where unusual things happened. A referee’s job is tough most nights but especially so this evening.” Despite earning a two-goal lead, Drogheda endured a nervous finale after substitute Adam Foley halved the deficit from a corner with Doherty frustrated with his side’s poor defending. “It was a really sloppy goal to give away. Perhaps we started to get a little too comfortable and it’s a lesson for the players to learn from. “Limerick are a really good side but I feel on the balance of play that we should’ve won by more than just the single goal.” Up next for Drogheda is a trip to face Cabinteely at Stradbrook Road, a ground at which the Drogs are yet to win at in their previous four visits. “We were awful when we played them earlier in the season so we’ll be looking to correct that. We’ll have a look at them on Saturday night against Longford but hopefully we can get a result and get closer to them in the table.”
