Drogheda Town won promotion to intermediate football after a narrow away victory over St John Bosco. The 66th-minute goal by Kartal Martin, assisted by Patrick O'Connell, sealed the result at Brickfield Astro. The promotion run relied on resilience and squad loyalty amid injuries and suspensions that forced several makeshift selections. Shane Kierans returned early from a shoulder injury, Hakan Topcu played with an ankle injury, and goalkeeper Luke Haggans returned using a face mask after facial surgery. Conor Costello deputised in goal, Alejandro Tolon played multiple roles, and Ciaran Killeen rejoined after being asked to help. Drogheda now prepare for a Polikoff Cup semi-final against Peamount United at Cupra Park, with absences including Conor Parkinson and Luke Kimmage.
"Drogheda Town will return to intermeidiate football next season after a narrow win away to St John Bosco ensured the Marian Park side will win promotion. The result also sets them up nicely for their Polikoff Cup semi-final this Thursday night when Town welcome Peamount United to Cupra Park with a place in the decider at stake."
"Drogheda's promotion has been built on resilience and loyalty over the last few weeks as injuries and suspensions have forced manage Sean Brennan into selecting several makeshift sides. Shane Kierans was one who returned early from a shoulder injury to help, Hakan Topcu has been playing with an ankle injury and keeper Luke Haggans, who has missed the last few months following facial surgery, has had a face mask made to make sure he's available for Thursday's semi-final."
"At one point bodies were so light that Brennan reached out to Ciaran Killeen who had been signed by the club but had stepped away due to a lack of playing time. "Absolutely" was the response when asked if he would be available and he has played his part in Town's promotion success and will remain a part of the squad for the remainder of the season."
"A Kartal Martin goal in the 66th minute at a hostile Brickfield Astro venue saw Town clinch the promotion-sealing victory. Patrick O'Connell, as he has been doing all season, supplied the assist. The Marian Park side now turn their attention to Thursday night's semi-final. The only absentees will be Conor Parkinson, who is away with his Drogheda Boys team at a tournament in Barcelona, and Luke Kimmage."
Read at Irish Independent
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