By Robert O’Reilly
Drogheda United assistant manager Robbie Horgan rued two points dropped as the Drogs failed to beat a nine man Limerick side at Hunky Dorys Park.
“Again we had the majority of possession tonight. We didn’t manage to create many chances and Barry Ryan wasn’t really troubled in the Limerick goal except for some testing crosses. It is a concern that we didn’t work more opportunities especially given the numerical advantage. Last Monday against Derry we created chances at ease so that was disappointing. The first half when it was eleven v eleven I felt the game was more tactical and our play was more fluid.”
In an incident packed game, four penalties were awarded, three to Drogheda as well as two red cards for Limerick in the second half.
“I can’t remember many games like that offhand. I have been involved in games that have had two or three penalties but to have four penalties and two red cards with three going for us is very rare. Obviously the disappointing aspect is not to have capitalised on the decisions to get the three points.”
Declan O’Brien stepped up to take his third penalty of the night in the 86th minute and despite missing from the spot earlier, Horgan had no doubt about the striker’s frame of mind.
“I guess you have to look on the bright side with these things. We missed a penalty on Monday night with Gary O’Neill and then to get three tonight was incredible. Declan’s first penalty was excellent and then with the second one it becomes cat and mouse as I know from my playing career. I think Eric Foley and Gavin Brennan tried to take the ball from him but we insisted on the sideline that Fabio should take it because he always puts them away.”
Individual errors have meant that Drogheda have only recorded one clean sheet in six competitive games this season, a real cause for concern for the management team.
“Even the goal we conceded against St. Pat’s was a set-piece and we should have defended that better. We gave away a loose ball in midfield in the lead up to the penalty and the first goal Limerick scored was a ball we had cleared but failed to push out for the next cross. As we have said to the players it is the little things that create chances for the opposition and in what will be a very tight league this year, you just have to be a little more disciplined in doing the basics properly. If we are to push on from last year it is essential that we concede fewer goals.”
Drogheda now have three games in the next week with the glamour friendly against Trabzonspor sandwiched in between vital league games away to Derry City and home to Bray Wanderers.
“The schedule is very hectic at the moment. We are missing a few bodies with Derek Prendergast, Gary O’Neill, Cathal Brady and Alan McNally all unavailable at the moment so the squad has been stretched. Alan McNally will be back next week and thank God Gary’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared and he should be back in training in a couple of weeks. The game on Thursday is a great opportunity for the players who haven’t been starting to get more minutes under their belt. It is a very attractive friendly to play in, I played against a Turkish side once in my career and I know that their fans are very fanatical. I am hoping that there will be a full house in Tallaght with neutrals attending what should be a great occasion.”
