Drogs go top following emphatic win
Tuesday 26th June 2007, 10:02 pm
James Keddy, Drogheda United.
Photo by Tom Carey.
26th June 2007
eircom League of Ireland Premier Division
Drogheda United 4
James Keddy 3
Graham Gartland 20
Gavin Whelan 43
Sami Ristila 53
Bray Wanderers 1
Alan Cawley 14
United Park
Drogheda United climbed top of the eircom League of Ireland tonight after a convincing 4-1 win over Bray Wanderers at United Park. The three points lift the Drogs ahead of long-time leaders Saint Patrick's Athletic.
On the night, James Keddy gave the Drogs the perfect start as he curled home a free kick after only three minutes.
Bray, who had drawn with the Saints at the weekend, battled back and were level ten minutes later when Alan Cawley found the net with a superbly struck long range free kick of his own.
Graham Gartland headed Drogheda back in front in the 20th minute as a cross was flicked into his path by Eamon Zayed. The home side went in 3-1 up at half-time when Gavin Whelan slotted in after another good team move on 43 minutes. However, it might have been different had Bray's Gary McCabe found the net instead of the woodwork moments earlier.
Sami Ristila put the icing on the cake as he made it 4-1 shortly after the break as Zayed flicked the ball into his path.
Drogheda appeared to ease off in the closing minutes with top spot already secured and a busy schedule awaiting them with UEFA Cup action to begin shortly.
Drogheda United : Connor, Lynch, Gray (Keegan 69), Gartland, Shelley, Whelan, Robinson, Byrne, Keddy, Zayed (O'Keeffe 67), Ristila (Grant 57).
Bray Wanderers : Williams, Tresson (Derek Tyrrell 61), Cronin, Deans, Cawley, Caffrey, McCabe, Fox (Broderick 69), Duggan, Dunphy.
This week's fixtures
» Wednesday, 21st November
European Championship Qualifying Group D
Cyprus v Czech Rep
Germany v Wales
San Marino v Slovakia