Drogheda United Boss Kevin Doherty Gives Brutal Details How His Team Can Escape Their Slump

KEVIN DOHERTY believes the key to Drogheda United’s survival is keeping 11 players on the pitch and two up top

The Drogs experienced a 4-1 loss to St Pat’s on Sunday, with all the goals scored after Luke Heeney received a red card in the 30th minute.

The dismissal forced Doherty to adjust his tactics by separating his potent front two, Frantz Pierrot and Douglas James-Taylor.

James-Taylor, who later reported an alleged racist remark from the Richmond Park stands that is now under investigation, did manage to score a penalty earned by Pierrot.

However, with James-Taylor moving into midfield, Doherty admitted that his team lacked the sharpness that had driven their six-game unbeaten streak leading into Sunday’s match.

Doherty remarked, “We began the game very well, but we didn’t give ourselves the chance to utilize our usual successful strategy of playing two forwards.”

“We had possession for about half an hour and were holding our own, but sometimes you just have to accept it and move forward.

“We didn’t perform as well as we could have, but we were still in the match. Pat’s have been outstanding over the past few months.

“When a team has that much individual skill and smart, clever players, giving them an extra player makes things really tough.

“It’s hard to give yourself a fighting chance in that situation.”

“Against a strong team with talented players, a skilled manager, and effective tactics, you’re not giving yourself much of a chance.

“I believe our defense wasn’t up to par; whether we had ten men or eleven, we still struggled to prevent crosses from coming into the box.”

“We lost most of the individual duels. Maybe if it had been 11 against 11, the score might have been different.”

Heeney’s red card at the 30-minute mark was straightforward for referee Rob Hennessy since the midfielder handled the ball on the line to prevent a goal from Anto Breslin.

Doherty commented: “It’s a reaction you might expect from a goalkeeper.

“I’m obviously not pleased about it.”

“I have great affection for Luke; he’s been outstanding for us. It wouldn’t have been my first choice.

“However, I don’t want to criticize him, as Luke has likely been our standout player of the year.”

The loss means that the Drogs could fall back to the bottom of the table on Thursday if Dundalk, who are currently last, win their game in hand against the Saints.

However, a resolute Doherty stressed that his team needs to swiftly recover from the loss and prove it’s just a minor setback.

He remarked: “We need to move past this quickly. With no game next week and the cup match the week after, we have the quarter-final of the FAI Cup to look forward to.”