Disastrous start for Dundalk as Drogheda inflict heavy opening day defeat

Dundalk’s Stephen O’Donnell tussles with Drogheda Utd’s Declan O’Brien last night

Dundalk’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign could hardly have got off to a worse start as they crashed to a 4-1 defeat against neighbours Drogheda Utd in United Park last night.

Despite dominating in the early stages, Stephen Kenny’s side never took advantage with league debutant Daryl Horgan going closest on a couple of occasions, including with a cheeky chip attempt.

The visitors then took the lead somewhat against the run of play when Eric Foley curled a 35 yard free kick to the top left hand corner of the net, giving Peter Cherrie no chance.

With tensions rising two substitutes were sent off in the tunnel, reported to be Drogheda’s Philly Hughes and Dundalk’s Simon Kelly but if anything that incident only fired up the home side.

The Boynesiders hit the ground running in the second half with a deep cross from Michael Kelly being volleyed home at the back post by Gavin Brennan.

Daly then turned provider again when another cross was turned in by former Lilywhite Declan O’Brien.

Dundalk did give themselves some hope when they pulled a goal back just after the hour mark after Pat Hoban headed home substitute Darren Meenan’s cross.

However, almost immediately O’Brien put the result beyond doubt when he met Brennan’s in-swinging free kick with a diving header to make it 4-1.

That meant that by the time Drogheda captain Brennan was sent off for a tackle from behind on Stephen O’Donnell in the 87^th minute, it mattered little to the outcome.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Micheal Schlingermann (Dave Ryan 12); Michael Daly, Alan McNally, Paul Andrews, Shane Grimes; Daire Doyle, Eric Foley; Cathal Brady (Carl Walshe 73), Gary O’Neill, Gavin Brennan; Declan O’Brien (Austin McCann 90 +3). Subs not used: Paul Crowley, Gavan Holohan, Philly Hughes, Ciaran McGuigan.

DUNDALK: Peter Cherrie; Sean Gannon (John Mountney 79), Chris Shields, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey; Ruaidhri Higgins (Darren Meenan 56); Richie Towell, Stephen O’Donnell; Daryl Horgan, Patrick Hoban, Kurtis Byrne (David McMillan 59). Subs not used: Mark Griffin, Mark Rossiter, Simon Kelly, Gabriel Sava.

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).

Buttimer has had previous run-ins with Dundalk boss Kenny

The wounds over Dundalk’s FAI Cup semi-final defeat to Drogheda United have yet to heal with Lilywhites players and supporters still utterly dismayed at the performance of referee Anthony Buttimer in the game.

Buttimer sent off Darren Meenan and Chris Shields within moments of each other midway through the first half at Hunky Dory Park on Sunday, with the latter decision proving especially costly. Despite Shields appearing to win the ball from Declan O’Brien, Buttimer awarded a penalty which Gavin Brennan converted for what would prove to be the game’s only goal. The latter decision has looked particularly harsh, with Shields not even the last man as Andy Boyle was covering.

A video posted almost five years ago has now reemerged showing some harsh decisions Buttimer made when he officiated the FAI Cup final of 2008 between Bohemians and Derry City, who were then managed by Stephen Kenny.

Buttimer denied the Candystripes what to everyone else looked a certain penalty early on before awarding Bohs a spot-kick at the other end for what was a hugely contentious handball decision. In the end Bohs went on to win the game on penalties after extra-time, thus denying Kenny a second FAI Cup win.

Thanks to John for sharing the video above.

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