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Drogheda United began life in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division with a 1-0 win on Friday night, courtesy of a last-minute own goal that denied Kevin Sheedy a point on his debut as Waterford FC coach.
Welsh defender Cameron Evans reached out to cut off James Brown’s low pitch from the right, only to see his punt attempt end in the corner of his own net.
It was just a reward for Drogheda, who had been the top side throughout against an inexperienced Waterford team who had performed well and may have thought they were destined for a draw on opening night.
Full match details
The trip to Head In the Game Park represented Kevin Sheedy’s first game as a full-time coach, at the age of 61. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder has previously worked as a youth coach at Everton and most recently in Saudi Arabia.
Sheedy was joined on the touchline by his assistant Mike Newell, a Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers. Veterans Daryl and Brian Murphy bring outfield experience to an otherwise young Blues team.
Drogheda United got the opening goal of the new #LAW previous season and that’s how that winner against Waterford came about
Match report: https://t.co/DwhOTlbJPR #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/8ONOLQuy23
– Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) March 19, 2021
The former Ireland striker started on the bench, but his namesake goalkeeper didn’t get a chance to enter the new season. He was busy from the start when Drogheda built a series of attacks on the right side. James Brown made an incisive run and cut inside before firing a direct shot at the goalkeeper.
The next two scoring opportunities for the home team came through corners. Mark Doyle’s goal-bound effort drifted wide before the season ended as the signing of Daniel O’Reilly headed Jake Hyland’s back through the goal but deflected from Murphy’s vertical.
Darragh Markey then shot Murphy directly before Waterford began to create his own opportunities. Jack Stafford’s shot was easy for David Odumuso.
Waterford also failed to take advantage of a string of set-piece opportunities, with Oscar Brennan, Kyle Ferguson and Cameron Evans testing the keeper.
The first game of the season was Drogheda and Waterford’s first Premier Division meeting since 2007, when United were crowned champions. Since then there has been a lot of water under the Bridges of the Boyne and Suir.
Markey, who had scored just three league goals since his St Pats debut, looked like the man most likely to break the deadlock after halftime. He fired wide from a central position before Ronan Murray’s effort veered his way. Markey’s shot slammed into the post, while Evans superbly blocked Doyle.
Tim Clancy’s team seemed more capable of creating an opening, but Waterford was determined. That was even more impressive considering his outfield players averaged just 21 years old.
Chris Lyons came close to catching a pass from Hyland with the goal wide open. He was replaced by rookie Dinny Corcoran as the home team chased after a winner. At the other end, Ketlego Mashigo’s shot from the edge of the area was blocked.
Newell first got a taste of the Irish League trade when he was sent from the dugout by referee Graham Kelly, following a verbal altercation with Gary Deegan.
Cardiff City loan James Waite’s free kick went wide as Waterford improved late. But Evans’ unfortunate own goal decided the game as the clock ticked.
Drogheda United: David Odumuso; James Brown, Daniel O’Reilly, Dane Massey, Conor Kane; Gary Deegan, Jake Hyland; Darragh Markey (Brandon Bermingham, 55 years old); Ronan Murray (Hugh Douglas, 90), Mark Doyle; Chris Lyons (Dinny Corcoan, 69 years old).
Waterford FC: Brian Murphy; Tummise Sobowale, Kyle Ferguson, Cameron Evans, Jamie Mascoll; Adam O’Reilly, Oscar Brennan, Katlego Mashigo, Jack Stafford (John Martin, 75); Prince Mustgunwuma (Daryl Murphy, 72), James Waite.
Referee: Graham kelly
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