Drogheda suffer another defeat despite Keaney's goal in the second half

Despite former Sligo Rovers player and Donegal native Jack Keaney scoring Drogheda United’s only goal of the game last night, the Bit O’Red put clear daylight between themselves and the relegation spots as they held on in a scrappy encounter to see off the Louth team at the Showgrounds. 

A Matthew O'Brien own goal was followed up by a Connor Malley strike as Rovers led at the break. But Keaney ensured a nervous second half for the Bit O'Red when he pulled one back for United within the opening minute of the second period. 

Trailing 2-0 at the break Keaney halved the deficit with less than 40 seconds of the second half played with the defender crashing home Pierrot's lay-on from a Weir free-kick 

The hosts were the form side coming into this one with just one defeat in their last five games, which included a draw away to title-chasing Derry City and a defeat of league leaders Shelbourne at Tolka Park last Friday. 

Visitors Drogheda had managed to pick up just the one win in their last five matches and were without skipper Gary Deegan and influential playmaker Darragh Markey, and are now bottom of the league on 15 points with 19 games played.