10-man Drogheda claim victory in pulsating Louth derby

Hayden Cann's 94th-minute winner, his first goal for Drogheda United, settled a Louth derby that sparked into life in the second half.

It may just have done the same for his team’s season.

For the second time this campaign, United finished the derby with 10 men. Luke Heeney was controversially shown red in the April Fools Day meeting and Jethren Barr was dismissed here as Drogheda gave up their advantage.

But despite Jamie Gullan’s leveller, the on-loan Lincoln City player ensured Drogheda are the toast of the Wee County, for now at least.

With the local rivals occupying the bottom two positions in the Premier Division table, Weavers Park played host to as consequential a league encounter between these sides in years.

The sides had played out a scoreless draw in the derby at Oriel Park earlier in this season but this renewal on Boyneside provided much more in the way of incident and entertainment.

Frantz Pierrot had given the home side a lead early in the second half, finishing after Gary Deegan had stolen the ball from Paul Doyle on the edge of the area.

It was one of Doyle’s last acts in the game. The midfielder was withdrawn minutes later following a cynical hack on Warren Davis as the teenage winger made a beeline towards goal.

Pierrot’s third goal of the season had set Drogheda up for just a third win of the season but instead it looked like Dundalk were to earn just their second at the expense of their county neighbours.

The Haitian had snatched at a handful of chances in the opening 45 minutes but this finish was an another example of what he’s capable of producing at the top level.

He could have had a second had he connected with Evan Weir’s clever free kick but it was just beyond his reach, with Adam Foley then shooting