Dundalk FC 1-1 Drogheda United

Dundalk were left frustrated at Oriel Park on Friday night as Drogheda United struck late to salvage a point in a lively Louth derby.

With a big crowd in attendance and plenty of edge to the occasion, Dundalk grew into the contest and carried the sharper threat through neat attacking combinations involving Gbemi Arubi, Danny Mullen and Daryl Horgan. The hosts also needed Conor Kearns at his best to deny Thomas Oluwa with an important save before the breakthrough.

That breakthrough arrived early in the second half. From a set-piece, the ball was cleared to the edge of the area where Keith Buckley drove an effort goalwards — and Mullen’s clever touch diverted it past Luke Dennison to give Dundalk a deserved lead.

From there, Dundalk looked well placed. They were relatively comfortable for a spell, managing the game as Drogheda threw bodies forward and made a flurry of changes in search of a response. The visitors knocked on the door without creating many clear chances, and Dundalk seemed set to see it out.

But the derby had one last twist. With two minutes remaining, a ball was launched into the box and Conor Keeley rose to force it over the line ensuring the points were shared.

For Dundalk, it was a second successive Friday night of late disappointment — and a result that felt like two points dropped after doing so much right for long periods.

Dundalk: Kearns; JR Wilson, Cornwall, Leonard, Burns; Dervin (Teahan 72), Buckley; Kenny (Groome 83), Mullen, Horgan (T Wilson 83); Arubi (McDaid 72).

Drogheda United: Dennison; Agbaje (Bucknor 63), Burney, Keeley, Quinn, Kane (Cruise 72); Farrell (Godden 63), O’Brien (Brennan 72); Kavanagh; Oluwa, Doyle (Kareem 63)

Referee: Rob Hennessy (Limerick).