League champions Shelbourne controlled possession, created more chances, and looked the better all-round side, but it was only enough to earn a point, as league leaders Drogheda punished Shelbourne’s mistakes.
Within thirty seconds, Mipo Odubeko had two massive chances to give Shelbourne the lead. After being played through by Kevin Ledwidge, his initial attempt was saved by the goalkeeper, and the follow-up shot was incredibly blocked off the line by James Bolger.
Drogheda’s first notable attempt of the match came in the seventh minute. A Ryan Brennan shot from distance was palmed away by Conor Kearns, resulting in Drogheda’s first corner of the game.
Drogheda had to wait until the twenty-first minute for their first big chance of the game. A long ball from Conor Keeley was well won by Oluwa, who easily carried the ball into the box after Sam Bone tripped. However, he wasn’t able to cap off his great run with a goal — but Warren Davis was there on the follow-up to give Drogheda the lead.
Shelbourne almost responded instantly to Drogheda’s opener. A ball over the top from Mark Coyle fell to Evan Caffrey, who found Odubeko — but somehow, the Irish U21 international put the ball over the bar from just six yards out.
Damien Duff’s side wouldn’t have to wait long for their next opportunity. A Kerr McInroy cross was punched out by Luke Dennison, but the ball fell to Evan Caffrey, who laid it off to Mark Coyle and the Shelbourne captain’s attempt from outside the box found the top right-hand corner to bring his side level.
Sam Bone’s night went from bad to worse. After slipping in the buildup to Drogheda’s opener, an Owen Lambe attempt from distance deflected off the Englishman’s outstretched foot and flew into his own net, giving Kevin Doherty’s side the lead just minutes before the halftime whistle.
The first 10 minutes of the second half saw Shelbourne control 80% of the possession, registering five shots during that spell. However, they didn’t cause Drogheda too much trouble—notably, a long-range effort from Harry Wood that went high, wide, and outside the confines of Sullivan and Lambe Park.
After dominating the opening 20 minutes of the second half, Shelbourne finally found their equalizer. Evan Caffrey whipped a corner to the back post, where Conor Keeley lost his marker, allowing Sam Bone—of all people—to tap the ball into the Drogheda net, essentially canceling out his own goal from the first half.
Match Summary: Drogheda United 2-2 Shelbourne
If a team was to have won that match, you would deferentially lean towards Shelbourne. Drogheda went into the second half with a very defensive mindset and even after Sam Bone’s equalizer, nothing changed, only having one attempt in the entire second half.
Shelbourne will be disappointed to have not come away with three points, having 83% of the ball and having 16 shots in the second half but yet only forced two saves from Luke Dennison. Damien Duff’s side will likely look back on this result as two points dropped.
LOITALK MOTM
On a night when Shelbourne weren’t able to create many big chances, everything they did produce came through Evan Caffrey, who not only assisted both of his side’s goals but also created two other significant opportunities. Add into the equation that he won 5 of his 6 duels and completed two successful dribbles, it was an all-round complete performance from one of the league’s best players.