Paul Doolin finally won a game in Belfield and Mark ROoney finally scored as Dwogheda scored a 2-1 win in front of about 50 freezing cold people.
UCD looked the sharper side in the first half and threatened through Willie Doyle on his full debut and Hugh Davey, who had an impressive game. But for all that, Tony O'Dowd didn't have a shot to save, while Drogheda's only real chance was a long-range shot tipped over by Darren Quigley. Indeed, the only highlight of the first half was Hugh Davey rooting Myler up the arse with a clearance. Myler barely winced.
Into the second half and Drogheda gained the upper hand, due in a small part to UCD making four subs at half-time. Brian Gannon fouled Judas Whelan on the hour and Judas Myler actually scored a penalty. A minute later and a clever backheel put Judas Rooney through, who scored his third goal in three pre-season games. It's probably encouraging that Rooney can score at will against First Division defences!
With ten minutes to go, the last UCD sub of the night saw Alan Mahon make his return after nearly a year out injured. We had a couple of late chances, Wilile Doyle having a goal disallowed for offside, and Bambi Gallen shooting straight at the keeper when clean through, before Brian Gannon, playing centre-mid, got into the penalty area and was fouled; Robbie Mac scored the penalty, though the keeper very nearly saved.
So another game, another defeat. Still a better performance that the previous two - not surprising considering the better pitch. But the lack of creativity going forward is still a worry, as is a defence which has now conceded seven goals in three games!
UCD:
--------------------------Quigley
Kenna-------McAuley-----------McNally-----------Davey
Sullivan-----Burke-------------McDonnell---------O'Donnell
------------------Doyle------------Martin
Subs -
Gallagher for Quigley
Gallen for Martin
Gannon for Kenna
McWalter for Burke (all h/t)
Foley for Doyle (65)
Mahon for McDonnell (80)
Yer man Kenna is the full-back we've been slagging for being crap in the first couple of games - turns out he's a centre-back, which would explain things. Pat Burke had a decent game in centre-mid, Doyle looked handy enough and Gallagher made several good stops. As for Drogheda - only their second win in Belfield ever won't even enter the record books!:D
