Drogheda United, as expected, head into the promotion/relegation play-off final against either Bray Wanderers or UCD as Galway United were seen off comfortably at Sullivan & Lambe Park.
Only a wholly unexpected set of results would have seen Drogheda leapfrog Waterford and into the safety of eighth place in the Premier Division. A three-point advantage was cushioned further by a goal difference of seven between the sides.
A two-goal victory for the hosts might have been improved upon. They were much the better side and had chances to add to their tally, more so than Galway did to make a game of it.
But Grahm Coughlan’s cup final-bound side won at Tolka Park, rendering any Drogheda effort ultimately fruitless in any case.
This game will be remembered for the home farewell of Ryan Brennan. Sixteen years after making his debut for his hometown club, Brennan – one of four brothers to represent Drogheda United – bid farewell to the Windmill Road venue for the final time, as a player at least.
Ryan Brennan is presented with a framed jersey and captain’s armband prior to kick-off
Few player are as synonymous with the claret-and-blue as Brennan. A cup final goalscorer in the 2013 defeat to Sligo Rovers – a modern day-classic by anyone’s book – he then went on to lift the blue-riband trophy as Drogheda United captain 11 years later.
By the time of his 70th minute introduction, the game was won. Brandon Kavanagh’s 32nd minute opener was superb and came at the end of a passing move that warranted a goal at it’s end.
The ball was moved from right to left and when Kieran Cruise played the ball forward towards Mark Doyle, his flick into the path allowed in-form Kavanagh to run onto it and lash a shot across the goalkeeper and in from 20 yards.
Eight minutes after the restart, Doyle had a goal of his own. Fynn Talley’s long clearance up field wasn’t dealt with by either Galway centre back Anthony O’Connor or goalkeeping Vincent Angelini, making his debut.
Drogheda United’s Brandon Kavanagh challenges Aaron Bolger of Galway United for possession
Doyle took command of the situation and cooly produced a lob that left the Scottish-born goalkeeper of Italian heritage red-faced.
John Caulfield will be disappointed at how comfortably Drogheda repelled what Galway offered throughout. It was a performance of a side with nothing riding on the outcome of the game.
It at least sets Drogheda up their impending play-off. They won it two years ago, beating Bray to prolong their stay in the top-flight. Brennan was integral that day; the local hero may be again in his final act.
Drogheda United: Fynn Talley; Leo Burney, Conor Keeley (James Bolger, 46), Andrew Quinn; Edwin Agbaje, Alfie Bates, Ethan O’Brien (Shane Farrell, 46), Kieran Cruise (Ryan Brennan, 70); Brandon Kavanagh (Jago Godden, 60); Thomas Oluwa (Keegan Ancelin, 46), Mark Doyle.
Galway United: Vincent Angelini; Connor Barrett (James Morahan, 73), Anthony O’Connor, Gianfranco Facchineri, Lee Devitt; Aaron Bolger, Junior Thiam (David Hurley, 46), Jimmy Keohane (Connor Whittaker, 73); Kris Twardek, Edward McCarthy (Francely Lomboto, 63); Stephen Walsh (Frantz Pierrot, 83).
Referee: Rob Harvey