Weir free kick earns Drogs first win of the season against Bohs

Premier Division: Drogheda United 2 Bohemians 1

Walsall-bound Evan Weir’s 40-yard free kick ensured Drogheda United claimed their first points of the season against Bohemians at Weavers Park.

Danny Grant’s own goal the stroke of half time had set United on their way. After losing their opening two games of the season, Drogheda won’t concern themselves with how they go in. 

Bohs made the trip north without travelling fans in light of the ban meted out to supporters after Cian Byrne was struck by a flare during the victory over St Pats in Inchicore. Their team were certainly lacking a spark that might well have been provided by an away support.

Loan signing Aboubacar Keita was brought in for a first Gypsies start, with Jordan Flores moving to an only slightly more conventional left back role in Declan Devine’s starting line-up.

Adam McDonnell met Flores’ early corner but his header was blocked by Hayden Cann. The hosts did eventually grow into the game after the visitors had seen more of the ball in an encouraging opening 15 minutes.

Grant has never scored against Drogheda, but he notched for them seconds before the half-time whistle. Marking the near post area and not under undue pressure from an opposition player, he headed Evan Weir’s corner into his own net.

Cann’s goalbound effort was blocked by and when Adam Foley shot on the turn, his strike hit the side netting. Darragh Markey flashed a shot across goal after Drogheda had won the ball high up the pitch too.

Given Drogheda’s only previous lead this season lasted all of 86 seconds, a focused start to the second half was imperative for Kevin Doherty’s team. They did just that and more, posing a greater threat after the restart.

Weir’s free kick arrived on 58