National League Premier Division/Longford Town 1 Drogheda United 1: Longford had a great chance to put some daylight between themselves and the bottom clubs but failed to put Paul Doolin's Drogheda United away at Flancare Park on Saturday night.
After 22 minutes of probing the home side took the lead when visiting goalkeeper Dan Connor, under pressure from Paul Keegan, opted to attempt to punch the ball clear. The alert Dessie Baker latched onto the loose ball and drove home through a crowded six-yard box.
Even that failed to spur Drogheda into life and it was as late as the 82nd minute that they salvaged a point.
Barry Ferguson was penalised for a foul on Graham Gartland - who misses Drogheda's next three games against Finn Harps,Waterford and Derry due to suspension - and Shane Robinson's resultant free kick was emphatically headed home by Stephen Gray to allow Drogheda leave town with a hard-earned point.
Next up for Longford is the crucial Setanta Cup game with Linfield at Windsor Park tomorrow evening. Doolin will look for a better performance in their next league outing - a home game against leaders and reigning champions Shelbourne on Friday night.
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, O'Connor, Dillon, Ferguson, Paisley, Kirby, Martin, Fitzgerald, Baker, Keegan, Barrett.
DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor, Lynch, Webb, Gray, Malcolm, Bradley, Gartland, Whelan, Robinson, Leech, O'Brien. Subs: Rogers for Connor (45 mins), Sandvliet for Bradley (45), Rooney for Leech (66).
Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).
