Drogheda boss Kevin Doherty hails Louth derby win as his greatest at club

Doherty cut an elated figure having watched 10-man Drogs secure a first win over their rivals in almost two years, with Hayden Cann’s 94th-minute strike delivering a big three points after Frantz Pierrot’s opener.

“We’ve had great wins here against Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and St Patrick’s Athletic, but that was just something else because of the circumstances,” said Doherty after his side moved five points clear of rock-bottom Dundalk.

“I couldn’t help myself running on the pitch. Yeah (this win tops it all), the fact it’s Dundalk and for the supporters more than anyone. I don’t think I’ve seen a group of players dig so deep for a result.

“There was 10 minutes of stoppage time against our 10 men and without our goalkeeper. Dundalk equalised from the red card, but we had a huddle after that. We weren’t saying, ‘We want a draw here’, but we can’t get beat and we might get something from a set-piece.”

Dundalk were handed a lifeline on 75 minutes when Drogheda ’keeper Jethren Barr saw red for a wild challenge. Doherty had no complaints about the decision. “It probably came down to decision-making,” he said.

Doherty also reflected on his playing days at Shelbourne under Dundalk boss Noel King. He added. “We were blown away by his coaching. He was ahead of his time. We won the league that season, whatever St Pat’s say.”

Drogheda United: Barr; Heeney, Cann, Quinn, Weir; Deegan, Brennan; Foley, Markey (Gallagher 82), Davis (McNally 66); Pierrot (Wogan 76).

Dundalk: Shelvey; Davies, Johnson, Boyle, Doyle (Oostenbrink 60); High, Muller (O’Kane 89); Mountney (Elliott 73), Benson, Horgan; Gullan.

Ref: R Harvey.