Drogheda United 1, Galway United 1

A sixth minute goal from Jonathan Keane was enough to gain Galway United a share of the spoils in Drogheda on Friday night, but on a night where they stretched their unbeaten run to four matches a further nail was driven in their relegation coffin.

It was definitely a case of a point gained by Jeff Kenna's charges, but a victory for relegation rivals Finn Harps away to Bray Wanderers in the night's other match makes the task ahead for United more difficult.

United lined up with the same team for the third match in a row and the familiarity reaped dividends early on as Jonathan Keane bagged his second in three games to give United a priceless lead.

Sean Maher's clearance from a Ciaran Foley cross fell to Keane, and his sweet 25-yard volley dipped over Jamie Ewings in the Drogheda goal, sending the visitors into the lead.

United continued their high-tempo start with John Lester and Foley in typical competitive mood, and Lester was at the centre of a fine move on the half-hour mark. Some excellent passing involving O'Shea and Jorgensen created room for John Russell, but his blistering effort just cleared Ewings crossbar.

But the Drogs are champions for a reason, and emerged in the second half with Paul Doolin's words ringing in their ears. Whatever was said had the desired effect as efforts were doubled and the chances flowed.

Former Sligo Rovers man Fahrudin Kuduzovic came close with a 25 yard drive, but was then replaced by another Showgrounds favourite Adam Hughes on the hour mark. Hughes himself was then denied by Gary Rogers but the hosts didn't have long to wait for the equaliser.

Rampaging right-back Brian Shelly played in Richie Baker and his pin-point cross was met by Eamon Zayed on the charge. Rogers was left with no chance as his bullet-header found the net from close in. Drogheda continued to push hard for the winner but Galway held on to gain a well-earned point which lifted United of the foot of the table.

Unfortunately, safety is turning into a dot on the horizon after Harps' win at the seaside in Bray.

Drogheda United: Ewings; Shelley, Maher, Gartland, Kendrick; Baker, Robinson, Keegan, Cahill; Zayed, Kudozovic (Hughes, 59).

Galway United: Rogers, McCulloch, A Keane, Fitzgerald, McCulloch, J Keane (Murphy, 64), J Lester, Conneely, Russell, Jorgensen, O'Shea.

Referee: I Stokes (Dublin).

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