Derry denied by Pierrot's late equaliser

Frantz Pierrot finally scored his first league goal for Drogheda United to deny Derry City the chance to close the gap on leaders Shelbourne in any meaningful way at least.

His 86th minute striker was a goal worthy of winning any game and while it won merely a point for his team, the manner of the comeback felt like a victory.

Will Patching thought he had scored the goal of the game in first half injury time, but Pierrot outdid him late on. Michael Duffy had earlier cancelled out Warren Davis early opener.

It's another good performance that has failed to yield three points for the hosts but the manner of the late rally will be pleasing. For Derry, they are yet to win back-to-back games this season and inconsistency appears to be as much as an issue as it’s ever been.

Adam Foley was unavailable for Drogheda having tied the knot to Nadine on Thursday. He was replaced by Zishim Bawa but Andrew Wogan was missing once again. Jethren Barr, who spent time training with Derry last year, deputised.

There was still no Patrick Hoban for Derry, who named an unchanged team from the side who comprehensively beat another Louth club, Dundalk, a week earlier. Ex-Lilywhite Michael Duffy, with eight career goals against United, would pose a threat regardless.

Whilst arriving on Boyneside as favourites – and with leaders Shelbourne in their sights – Derry had only on victory in six previous visits to Weavers Park, drawing four of those.

United’s recent draws with St Patrick’s Athletic and Damien Duff’s side pointed to a team that remained an awkward proposition for the league’s leading teams.

Referee Damien MacGraith was already well acquainted with this fixture as he got the game underway five minutes after the scheduled kick off time of 7.45pm.