Derry's unbeaten run ended by Drogheda defeat

Irish Premier Division

Drogheda United 1 - 0 Derry City FT

Derry City's six game unbeaten run came to an end after a 1-0 defeat by Drogheda at Sullivan and Lambe Park.

The home side scored the only goal of the game on 55 minutes after Ryan Brennan converted from the spot.

The Candystripes pushed for a late leveller, but were denied by the woodwork in the closing stages.

Derry will aim to bounce back when they travel to Waterford, while Drogheda face Bohemians next.

Derry struggling to create chances

Chances were at a premium during the opening 45 minutes with neither side able to test their opposition's stopper.

Adam O'Reilly's fired a shot from range just wide before Warren Davis' effort at the other end was blocked just after the 30-minute-mark.

In the 38th minute, the Candystripes had the best chance of the half with Patrick McClean's header cleared off the line by Shane Farrell.

Drogheda had multiple set pieces in the closing stages of the half but couldn't make any of them count.

Early in the second half, Fynn Talley had to make two good saves to deny Conor Barr his first goal in a red and white shirt.

Seconds later, referee Arnold Hunter awarded the home side a penalty when Davis was fouled by Jamie Stott in the box.

Captain Brennan made no mistake with the spot-kick, firing past the outstretched Edward Beach.

The Derry stopper was then called into action to deny Brandon Kavanagh's effort against his former side.

Coming into the game, Tiernan Lynch made five changes to the starting XI who drew 1-1 with Galway and the Derry manager made a triple change after his side conceded.

However, even with the substitutions, Derry still struggled to create clear cut chances.

Substitute Henry Rylah made the biggest impact with his shot from 25-yards comfortably collected by Talley.

Then, in the final few minutes, Rylah nearly found a late leveller, but his shot crashed off the crossbar and was eventually cleared, to the frustration of the travelling Derry support who believed the strike crossed the line when it bounced down.