Pierrot on the double as Drogheda stun Derry

Frantz Pierrot had endured a mixed bag against Derry City this season but the Drogheda United forward struck a blow to the title hopes of Ruaidhri Higgins' side with a second half brace at United Park.

The Haitian striker was hauled off at half time on the opening day of the season at the Ryan McBride Brandywell and then saw red when he returned there in June.

He scored a late leveller against Derry on their previous visit to Drogheda, however, and went one better this time to almost certainly ensure his side have a promotion-relegation playoff to look forward to in November.

They now hold an eight point advantage over rivals Dundalk who prop up the Premier Division table. They look doomed and Drogheda will be heavy favourites to stay in the top flight in 2025 now.

Pierrot’s double affects the top of the table too. Despite Shelbourne once again dropping points – for the seventh time in eight games – his goals mean Derry City are now even further away from catching Damien Duff’s side at the summit.

This has been less of a sprint and more of a slog to the finish line at the top of the table. Andrew Quinn’s late own goal wasn’t enough to rescue the Candystripes here. Their attempts to haul in Shels have been pathetic for the most part. They have only one league win in seven.

Few inside United Park or watching from afar could argue with the result when referee Rob Hennessy blew his whistle after 95 minutes of play. Derry’s late goal didn’t bring on the desired onslaught than might have undone the Drogs defence.

Despite Will Patching missing the game through injury, Derry still had the firepower to beat Drogheda. That much was indicative in Ruaidhri Higgins' starting XI. Pat Hoban was paired up front with Danny Mullen, with Michael