Drogheda United earned their first victory of this seasons Airtricity league, beating St Patrick's Athletic by a goal to nil at Richmond Park. The winner came courtesy of a 93rd minute free kick from 18 year old full back Eoghan Osbourne.
The home side created the better chances throughout the 90 minutes but could not bag the critical breakthrough. The game seemed to be destined for stalemate until United broke out of defence in stoppage time and won a free kick slightly outside the area.
The angle favoured a left footed kicker, but without a goal to his name the teenager looked an unlikely candidate, until he curled a beautiful shot which flew low past Gary Rogers into the corner.
Having won a Leinster Senior Cup tie at this ground last month, the Louthmen clearly held no fear. In the first half, looked the side more determined to pass the ball. Consequently dominating possession and territory, limiting the hosts to sporadic counter attacks. Osbourne excelled in his defensive role too, meaning, the normally effervescent, Ryan Guy's contribution was minimal
The Saints turned up the heat in the second period. With Guy moving to a central role, Brian Cash seemed to have the better of Osbourne until he was substituted on 70 minutes after creating Pat's better chances with his right boot.
Naturally, Drogs boss Alan Matthews was delighted with the three points:
"I would have taken a draw beforehand, and another clean sheet would have been enough positives for us to move on".
"but the goal at the end was a nice bonus" Matthews added.
The warning signs of Pat's first defeat of the season were lit by the early dominance from Drogheda. Although, in a cagey opening spell, a well struck shot courtesy of Robbie Martin's left foot was the closest they came. Their table topping hosts preferred to test the aerial abilities of the canary-shirted defenders, but the exam was passed and Drog's continued to probe and prod at the league's best defence.
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Still the Saints looked most likely to find the net. Guy's cross first found Paul Byrne, who flicked onto Vinny Faherty, who in turn deflected the ball nicely for Brian Cash to smash a half-volley narrowly over the bar.
Cash had the crowd on its feet again minutes later, as he took on the mass of defenders, jinking left, then right and leaving Brian King in knots. However, his shot was too weak to seriously worry Paul Murphy.
As the first half drew to a close, Damien Lynch curled a low cross with his weaker left foot which was slightly out Guy's reach, from an acute angle, the American could only find the side netting. Leaving the home support frustrated by a goalless first half.
After the break, Pat's upped the tempo. Derek Pender sent the American through,, but under pressure, the diminutive attacker could not find the finish.
Cash, switching to a right wing position, began to find room and delivered some pinpoint crosses. Just moments after Byrne headed well over, from a corner came the hosts best chance: Stuart Byrne glancing his header narrowly wide of the post.
That was Cash's last input to the game as Pete Mahon sent on Gareth Coughlan to add extra pace to the attack. But through Glen Fitzpatrick and Jamie Duffy, Drogheda had an out ball to relieve the pressure.
And what better way to relieve pressure than three points against the league leaders. Who, after a great start to the season are now four games without a win.
St Patricks Athletic: G Rogers, Derek Pender, Damien Lynch, Connor Kenna, Shane Guthrie, Ryan Guy, Stuart Byrne, David Mulcahy, Brian Cash (for Gareth Coughlan 70'), Vinny Faherty (for Alex Williams 80'), Paul Byrne.
Subs not used: Dan Connor, Noel Haverty, David McAllister,
Drogheda United: Paul Murphy, Brian King, Eoghan Osbourne, Alan McNally, Jamie Harris, Mick Daly, Paul Crowley, Garreth O'Connor, Robbie Martin (for Eric McGill '90), Jamie Duffy (for John Flood 83'), Glen Fitzpatrick.
Subs not used: Paul Skinner, Corey Tracey, Ryan Brennan.
Referee: R Winter
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