Drogheda United 3 - 3 Galway United

Credit:

With the home team already relegated to the First Division and the visitors set to face Bray in the play-offs next week, there was little to play for other than pride, but Drogheda United and Galway United still played out a thrilling 3-3 draw Hunky Dory Park tonight.

In the previous three meetings this year Galway had come out on top; they were 3-1 victors in April and 2-1 winners in August at Terryland Park. On the road Sean Connor’s side also found the back of the net in June, when they beat Drogheda in their own back yard. However, it was the home team who took the lead early on this occasion, with Brendan McGill finding the back of the net on seven minutes. The Tribesmen replied through a Derek O'Brien goal coming after 15 minutes however, making it 1-1.

Galway then took the lead through Karl Sheppard, who stood up and took advantage of a free close to goal when he went for the target and made no mistake, with an unstoppable strike, on the half hour mark. Drogheda were to respond however as Conor Sinnott sent in a great ball and McMahon netted on 38 mniutes.

Galway then had a great chance in the second half around the hour mark. However, substitute Rory Gartland found himself on the score sheet when he got Galway’s third, with 70 minutes on the clock. The lead was short lived as the Drogs responded through a Jamie Harris header to find his team mate and McNamara struck the ball goalward to level the game yet again. And that was how it ended. A fair result on the night, both teams did well but their faiths decided before a ball was even kicked tonight.

Drogheda United: Paul Skinner; Yael Haro, Alan McNally, Paul Crowley, Eoghan Osbourne; Brendan McGill, Conor Sinnott, Peter McMahon (Ronan McEnteggart, 85), Eric McGill (Paul Matondo, 75); John Flood (Darragh McNamara, 64), Jamie Harris.
Subs not used: Robert Duggan, Stephen Campbell.

Galway United: Conor Winn; Philip Reilly, Steven Walsh, Evan Preston Kelly, Tom King (Stephen O'Donnell, 68); Neill Keane, Gary Kelly, Derek O'Brien (Rory Gartland, 65), Ger Cheevers; Karl Sheppard (Darragh Duggan, 57), David Sheppard Subs not used: Shane McInerney

Referee: Tom Connolly

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Brendan McGill

Attendance: 250