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Late winner extends Drogheda's lead in title hunt

Saturday 6th October 2007, 12:13 am

Jason Gavin, Drogheda United.

Photo by Tom Carey.

Drogheda United left it late but an injury time goal from Jason Gavin proved decisive in moving them eleven points clear at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Never shy about grabbing late goals, Drogheda's latest saw them beat Sligo Rovers 1-0 and take full advantage as both Shamrock Rovers and Saint Patrick's Athletic slipped to defeats.

The Drogs had been the better team and it looked as though they weren't going to get any reward against a well organised and difficult to break down Sligo side.

Eamon Zayed brought a good save from goalkeeper Richard Brush in the early going and it set the tone for the night. Ollie Cahill had a close range header saved and Guy Bates drilled a shot not far wide.

However, Sligo might well have snatched the lead midway through the first half when Faz Kudozovic's header was saved by Dan Connor while the Sligo man couldn't pounce to slot home the rebound.

Cahill went close again just before half-time but Keith Foy scrambled off the line to ensure a scoreless first half.

Zayed added himself to the list of wasted chances as he failed to hit the target from inside the box after a Bates lay-off.

Just as the game seemed set to peter out into a frustrating draw, Gavin struck for the winner deep into stoppage tie as Paul Keegan floated in a free kick from the edge of the box.

It now looks a matter of when and not if the Drogs will claim their first ever League of Ireland crown.

Drogheda United : Connor, Webb, Gavin, Gartland, Robinson, Shelley, Cahill (Keddy 83), Baker (Grant 78), Keegan, Bates, Zayed (Byrne 61).
Sligo Rovers : Brush, Ventre, Foy, Peers, McKenzie, O'Grady, Cretaro (Cash 67), Boyd, Judge (Manson 75), Kudozovic, Gordon.