Nine-man Rovers forced to settle for a point in Drogheda

Drogheda United fought back to take a well-earned point from nine-man Shamrock Rovers at Weavers Park.

The champions eventually made the breakthrough early in the second half as Graham Burke turned home a corner from close range in the 53rd minute.

But then Rovers had two players sent off within seven second-half minutes as first Lee Grace and then Dan Cleary received their marching orders.

Drogheda responded and put pressure on the Rovers penalty area before finally restoring parity in the 89th minute thanks to Ryan Brennan's effort.

In the end, it was Rovers who were hanging on for the point as the home side looked to grab an unlikely victory against the Dublin club.