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eircom National League First Division

Date	17/08/2001
Score (Blues First)	2 - 2
Venue	United Park, Drogheda
Kick Off	8.00 pm
Attendance	400
Weather	Warm + Dry
Referee	Declan Hanney
Goal Scorers	Breen 2
Cards	Yellow: Moore, Rea
Pitch	Great surface and flat

Our first away game of the new campaign and a goal by David Breen three minutes into injury time saw us rob a point in United Park. The delayed kick off time of 8pm didn't suit the Blues as we started very slowly, giving away possession and looked uncomfortable in a 5-3-2 formation. It took Drogheda only 9 minutes to capitalise, as David Whittle was turned inside out and Anto Reilly struck the ball over Fennelly into the far corner of the net. After this Drogs could have scored twice more, as sloppy defending left Fennelly exposed but reaction saves kept the Home side out. A fumble by the Drogs goalkeeper from a Cashin corner saw David Breen score his first of the night as his header looped over the defender on the line. Drogheda, took over the game again and were unlucky on numerous occasions as Breens ass, Fennelly's hands and Rea's head deflected the ball away from the Waterford goal.

We continued to be dragged around the pitch in the second half, as we played five at the back, with noone marking any Drogheda forward. The time and space given to the left and right wingers for Drogheda was embarrassing at this stage and it was no surprise when they went ahead again from O'Reilly. Drogheda should really have wrapped up the game after this, but failed to put the ball into the net. Finally PP made two changes and played 4-4-2. The difference was plain to see after only two minutes as we should have had a penalty when Bradley was taken down clearly inside the box. For the first time we looked confident and passed the ball around, and took the game to the Drogs. Every player lifted themselves apart from Cashin who continually shouted at the referee and kicked out at opponents which distracted our younger lads. Finally with four minute's of the seven minutes of injury gone, David Breens shot from twenty yards took a deflection and ended up in the back of the net.

After performing poorly for seventy minutes we were lucky to leave United Park with our first point of the season. Our formation,team selection and if Paul Cashin should take all free kicks, corners, throw ins etc.. have to looked at by PP. Here's to good nights ahead.