RT� Sport: Drogheda United 3-2 Cliftonville (original) (raw)

Defending champions Drogheda United survived a late rally from Cliftonville to make a winning start to their Setanta Sports Cup campaign at United Park.

The Drogs, with just two pre-season games under their belts, dominated the early stages but only created one chance of note when Eamon Zayed's header flew high over the crossbar.

And from a rare counter the Irish League side almost grabbed the lead, John Martin forcing a fine reaction save from Mikko Vilmunen after racing clear of left-back Joe Kendrick.

Gradually, Drogheda began to stretch the opposition defence, and Paul Keegan shot narrowly wide before Robinson fired straight at Reds keeper John Connolly from 12 yards.

Vilmunen did well to push Francis Murphy's curling shot past the upright, but the Drogs deservedly hit the front on 40 minutes when Brian Shelley's cross was headed in off the post by Eamon Zayed.

Cliftonville survived another scare before half time when Paul Keegan's goal-bound shot was deflected on to the crossbar.

However, the visitors raised their game after the restart and got back on level terms on 57 minutes, courtesy of a beautifully struck 20-yard free kick by Francis Murphy following Brian Shelley's foul.

Connolly twice saved from Richie Baker headers in the space of a minute as the Drogs tried to hit back quickly, and then substitute Guy Bates also tested the Cliftonville keeper.

The home side restored their lead on 74 minutes when Baker blasted to the net from six yards following a long ball into the box by Graham Gartland.

And it looked as if victory was secure when Zayed stooped to head Kendrick's cross past Connolly on 86 minutes.

Substitute Mark Holland's superb volley a minute later set up a grandstand finish and deep into stoppage time Keegan booted David McAlinden's effort off the line.

Drogheda United: Vilmunen, Shelley, Tambouras, Gartland, Kendrick, Baker, Robinson, Keegan, Cahill, Zayed, Grant. Subs: Bates for Grant (61min).

Cliftonville: Connolly, Fleming, Johnston, McAlinden, R Scannell, B Holland, Catney, McMullan, Murphy, C Scannell, Martin. Subs: M Holland for McMullan (66min), O'Connor for Catney (66min), O'Hara for B Holland (77min).

Referee: David Malcolm (Bangor).