Drogheda United boost safety hopes with narrow win at Bohemians

Frantz Pierrot's first-half strike may prove telling for Drogheda United in their battle to avoid automatic relegation, as they edged past Bohemians 1-0 at Dalymount Park.

Pierrot netted in the 28th minute for the Boynesiders to move them four points clear of basement side Dundalk and they are now just five points behind Bohs in the table with six games to play. The Gypsies do have a game in hand on Drogheda though.

With both teams advancing to the last four of the FAI Cup last weekend with wins over First Division opposition, Bohs and Drogheda made one change each.

But it was Kevin Doherty’s side who started the better of the two teams having enjoyed most of the early opportunities. Their first arrived in the 11th minute when Pierrot had a shot blocked by Leigh Kavanagh after being played in by Ryan Brennan.

Ross Tierney then threatened to create a goalscoring opening for the hosts moments later as his burst forward saw the ball fall kindly to James Clarke who shot wide. But Drogheda were comfortable at this point.

Striker Douglas James-Taylor almost caught Bohemians stopper Kacper Chorazka off guard in the 18th minute when his lob from distance just trailed wide of goal.

Bohs had their moments though and could have opened the scoring through winger Danny Grant after Tierney and Devoy combined in midfield to play Dayle Rooney in. Rooney dragged his cross across the box to Grant but the former Huddersfield winger saw his effort blocked.

Drogheda subsequently hit the front minutes just before the half hour through Pierrot.

Bohs failed to clear a corner-kick on three occasions, and with the ball launched into the box for the third time, Andrew Quinn met Elicha Ahui’s ball to nod it on for Pierrot to flick home.

The visitors should