Dramatic finish sees Shelbourne remain unbeaten as they draw with Drogheda

Drogheda United 2 (Gallagher 21', Weir 70')

Shelbourne 2 (Coyle 45', Boyd 90+4')

Sean Boyd’s 94th minute header denied Drogheda United victory at the last but ensured Shelbourne’s unbeaten start to the season remains intact.

It looked for the all the world like Drogheda would hand the league leaders a first defeat of the season and spark their own campaign into life in the process, courtesy of Evan Weir’s deflected second half free kick.

But Boyd intervened, heading in Tyreke Wilson’s cross deep into injury time. There was more drama to come, however.

Linesman Dermot Broughton was struck by an object thrown from the away end moments after that equaliser. After a lengthy pause, referee Rob Hennessy removed the players from the pitch. There were just seconds of injury time left to play.

15 minutes later play resumed the final two minutes of added on time played out. There will be consequences to come, no doubt.

Mark Coyle’s superb effort had cancelled out Oisin Gallagher’s opener but Damien Duff was left staring at a rare loss as the first round of games’ drew to an end.

Gallagher’s first goal for Drogheda handed the hosts the lead and they had warranted something based on their start to the game. Warren Davis teed up Gary Deegan on the edge of the area but his shot was gathered by Conor Kearns.

Ryan Brennan, starting his first game of the season against his former employers, found Adam Foley and he burst past two Shels defenders en route to the byline. His pullback found Gallagher on the edge of the area.

The Derry-born midfielder beat Kearns with a low shot that nestled in the corner of his net. The goalkeeper might legitimately feel he should have kept it out but Gallagher and those of a Droghda persuasion will be