Drogheda United manager Pete Mahon was left bitterly disappointed after his side exited the EA Sports Cup following a 1-0 defeat at home to Bray Wanderers. The Seagulls scored the only goal of the game on 11 minutes as Ryan Brennan converted from th
Drogheda United manager Pete Mahon was left bitterly disappointed after his side exited the EA Sports Cup following a 1-0 defeat at home to Bray Wanderers.
The Seagulls scored the only goal of the game on 11 minutes as Ryan Brennan converted from the penalty spot after Lloyd Buckley had fouled Dylan Connolly and Mahon had no complaints with the decision.
“I have no arguments over the penalty, it was the correct decision,” Mahon explained after the game.
“Performance wise, I thought we were okay. It was high on energy, high on commitment but we badly lacked a cutting edge.
"We only had one genuine chance in the game and Pete Cherrie produced a fine save to deny us.
“I’m frustrated to have lost another game, that’s six on the bounce now and that simply isn’t good enough.
"People say that winning is a habit but so too is losing and it’s a hard one to kick.”
Drogheda were also eliminated from the Leinster Senior Cup by UCD in February and Mahon is adamant that his side’s Cup pedigree has to improve in the future.
“I hate losing games and it’s a feeling that is becoming all too familiar at the moment.
"We made 11 changes tonight but you have to give everyone game time at some stage because they’re going to be called on during the course of the season with injuries and suspensions.
“I thought some of the young lads did really well tonight. Eoghan Dempsey had a tough game against Dylan Connolly while the likes of Jamie Hollywood and Conor Kane impressed.
“I think we’ve been eliminated in the First Round of every Cup tournament since I’ve been here and that’s an absolutely dreadful record that we need to improve on.“
The Boynesiders return to league action on Friday when they host Shamrock Rovers at United Park and the Drogheda boss knows that his side needs a result.
“The longer this run goes on the tougher it gets to come out of it. I’ve been here before in my career and turned it around.
"The players need to lift themselves now for the Shamrock Rovers game. Motivation certainly won’t be an issue for us.”
