Joined
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9,929 Posts
Champions League may be a fair way off for United and company but for some
teams its well and truly under way.
Ireland have NEVER got a club into the group stage of the Champions League and
were 1 game away from it 4 years ago when Shelbourne almost caused one of
the biggest upsets against Deprotivo La Courna. But it was Deprotivo who
followed teams such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and AC Milan in knocking Irish
interest out of Europe's biggest competition.
This year, is Drogheda United's, hopefully anyway as they are flying the flag for
Ireland. Tonight they kicked off their 2nd Round Qualifier 1st Leg at home to
Dynamo Kiev at Dalymount Park in Dublin.
After some great chances early on and a superb save from Kiev's keeper, the
visitors took the lead through a terrible mistake from Drogheda keeper Ewing. 0-1
and things were down but the home side pushed on. Manager Pat Doolin had
work to do at half time and boy did his troops respond in the second half.
An equaliser for the Irish and they were right back in it. Kiev worked some
fantastic moves and missed a number of sitters after the equalising goal but they
failed to find the back of the net. 5,000 fans sang all through the game beating
drums and keeping the atmosphere in great form, taking some of Man Utd's
chants such as,
Kiev were made look incredibly ordinary at times and you had to stop and
question, what team had the European pedigree. A spell in the second half where
the game was incredibly end to end and the tempo raised up to 5th gear,
Drogheda missed a great chance in the box and Kiev struck the post along with
missing a clear goal opportunity. The passion and drive kept Drogheda going and
it sent a tingle down my spine.
Defending began to seem desperate as the experience began to shine through a
team who looked like they were going to be on the end of a huge upset tonight.
The tension rose as crosses were swung in at both ends but none managed to
hit a spot. Drogheda gave it 100% and Dynamo were simply stunned by the fact
that they were in for a battle when before kick off, reports suggested that
Dynamo had expected a handy victory. Ewing kept Kiev out twice in the last ten
minutes when things got very tense and concentration was key!...But...
...heartbreak! A goal from Kiev with 5 minutes to go gave the visitors a lead to
bring back home. To be fair, they deserved a goal but only just about. Drogheda
are going to need to put in a masterful performance when the sides meet next
Wednesday.
A fantastic display from Drogheda and the never say die attitude was simply
awesome! Right till that final whistle they battled away. They may have all the
odds stacked against them in the Ukraine next week but this just proves all those
doubters wrong, and that Ireland does have a good set up and there are quality
players in the ranks. Ollie Cahill could easily make it at a Championship team or
possibly even a weak Premier League team, as he turned in a man of the match
display this evening.
Can't wait for next Wednesday where we simply need a miracle!
August 6th is D-Day for Irelands involvement in the Champions League next
round!
teams its well and truly under way.
Ireland have NEVER got a club into the group stage of the Champions League and
were 1 game away from it 4 years ago when Shelbourne almost caused one of
the biggest upsets against Deprotivo La Courna. But it was Deprotivo who
followed teams such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and AC Milan in knocking Irish
interest out of Europe's biggest competition.
This year, is Drogheda United's, hopefully anyway as they are flying the flag for
Ireland. Tonight they kicked off their 2nd Round Qualifier 1st Leg at home to
Dynamo Kiev at Dalymount Park in Dublin.
After some great chances early on and a superb save from Kiev's keeper, the
visitors took the lead through a terrible mistake from Drogheda keeper Ewing. 0-1
and things were down but the home side pushed on. Manager Pat Doolin had
work to do at half time and boy did his troops respond in the second half.
An equaliser for the Irish and they were right back in it. Kiev worked some
fantastic moves and missed a number of sitters after the equalising goal but they
failed to find the back of the net. 5,000 fans sang all through the game beating
drums and keeping the atmosphere in great form, taking some of Man Utd's
chants such as,
He plays on the left,
He plays on the riiiight,
That boy Oliie Cahill,
Makes Dynamo look *****
Take me home United road,
To the place I belong,
To Drogheda,
To see United,
Take me home United road
He plays on the riiiight,
That boy Oliie Cahill,
Makes Dynamo look *****
Take me home United road,
To the place I belong,
To Drogheda,
To see United,
Take me home United road
Kiev were made look incredibly ordinary at times and you had to stop and
question, what team had the European pedigree. A spell in the second half where
the game was incredibly end to end and the tempo raised up to 5th gear,
Drogheda missed a great chance in the box and Kiev struck the post along with
missing a clear goal opportunity. The passion and drive kept Drogheda going and
it sent a tingle down my spine.
Defending began to seem desperate as the experience began to shine through a
team who looked like they were going to be on the end of a huge upset tonight.
The tension rose as crosses were swung in at both ends but none managed to
hit a spot. Drogheda gave it 100% and Dynamo were simply stunned by the fact
that they were in for a battle when before kick off, reports suggested that
Dynamo had expected a handy victory. Ewing kept Kiev out twice in the last ten
minutes when things got very tense and concentration was key!...But...
...heartbreak! A goal from Kiev with 5 minutes to go gave the visitors a lead to
bring back home. To be fair, they deserved a goal but only just about. Drogheda
are going to need to put in a masterful performance when the sides meet next
Wednesday.
A fantastic display from Drogheda and the never say die attitude was simply
awesome! Right till that final whistle they battled away. They may have all the
odds stacked against them in the Ukraine next week but this just proves all those
doubters wrong, and that Ireland does have a good set up and there are quality
players in the ranks. Ollie Cahill could easily make it at a Championship team or
possibly even a weak Premier League team, as he turned in a man of the match
display this evening.
Can't wait for next Wednesday where we simply need a miracle!
August 6th is D-Day for Irelands involvement in the Champions League next
round!
