Republic of Ireland round-up: Drogheda keep top-flight status
Sunday, February 9, 2003
Article summary
Drogheda United FC kept their place in the top division with a 3-2 aggregate victory against Galway United FC.
Article body
First-leg deficit
Penalty opener
However, a foul on Drogheda’s Declan O'Brien gave the home side a penalty, and Andy Myler converted to bring his side back into the tie. Eight minutes later O’Brien drew Drogheda level on aggregate, heading into the net from close range.
Late drama
The were no further goals in normal time, and the game moved into extra time. Drogheda were reduced to ten men after 112 minutes when Mark Quinless was shown the red card, only for Danny O'Connor to score the decisive third goal two minutes later. Despite sustained Galway pressure in the final minutes, the home side held on to keep their place in the top-flight for next season.
Semi-final action
Drogheda had earlier defeated Cobh Ramblers FC 4-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, with the first leg in Cobh finishing 2-2 before first-half goals from O’Brien and Shaun Gallagher in the second match gave Drogheda an aggregate win. Meanwhile, Galway defeated Finn Harps FC at the same stage, winning the first match 2-0 at home and holding on despite a 1-0 defeat in the return leg.
