Title race heats up as Rovers held by Drogheda

Shamrock Rovers lead the Premier Division by six points from challengers Derry City – but a draw against Drogheda United at a wet and windy Head In The Game Park has left the door open for a dramatic conclusion to the title race.

Having booked their FAI Cup Final place earlier in the afternoon, Derry City eyes would have been as much concentrated on events at Head In The Game Park as they were on the RSC in Waterford where Shelbourne were confirmed as their final opponents.

With games running out, Ruaidhri Higgins knows his side's slim title hopes rely on Rovers faltering towards the finish line. The sides meet on the penultimate matchday in two weeks’ time but a Derry victory there would be in vain if Rovers do not lose points elsewhere.

Rovers faltered against Drogheda, failing to beat Kevin Doherty’s team for the third time in four league outings this season. Graham Burke’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Chris Lyons. The Hoops did not do enough to warrant the victory.

Six points separate the teams with Derry holding a game in hand and a titanic clash scheduled for 30 October. That will be one to savour, regardless of allegiance.

United’s rearguard action late on was all the more impressive given influential midfielder Gary Deegan was sent off with 18 minutes, including six added on, still to play.

Stephen Bradley made four changes from the side who fell to defeat against Molde three days previously, with Neil Farrugia, Andy Lyons, Graham Burke and Rory Gaffney reintroduced.

The first presentable opportunity of the match fell to Sean Hoare. The centre half failed to exert any control over his shot after Jack Byrne's corner found him at the back post as he slashed wildly over the crossbar.

Lyons was denied a ninth goal