Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Drogheda United defeated Shelbourne 2:1. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by D. Kareem 26′, E. Caffrey 65′ (o.g.), H. Wood 89′. 1 yellow card was shown. Drogheda United had 23% possession while Shelbourne held 77%. Drogheda United had 5 shots (2 on target) compared to 20 (5 on target) for Shelbourne. Drogheda United made 5 substitutions, Shelbourne made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Drogheda United and Shelbourne — 3 goals and 1 card recorded during the match.
Own Goal
Match Statistics
Drogheda United had 23% possession against Shelbourne's 77%. Drogheda United registered 5 shots (2 on target) while Shelbourne managed 20 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 1–5. Fouls committed: 6–9.
Lineups
Drogheda United lined up in a 5-3-2 formation under Kevin Doherty, while Shelbourne deployed a 3-4-3 under Joseph Martin O'Brien.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Drogheda United is 6.67, compared to 6.95 for Shelbourne. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Drogheda United's highest-rated starter is W. Davis (7.05), while Shelbourne's best-rated player is H. Wood (7.24).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Drogheda United have contributed 7 goals and 4 assists this season, led by W. Davis (3G). Shelbourne's starters account for 21 goals and 14 assists, spearheaded by H. Wood (9G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Drogheda United deploy 5 defenders rated 6.69 on average, against Shelbourne's 3-man backline averaging 6.89. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Drogheda United field 4 midfielders averaging 6.56, versus Shelbourne's 5 rated 7.00. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Drogheda United start 1 forward(s) averaging 7.05, compared to 2 for Shelbourne averaging 7.06. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 61% for Drogheda United and 51% for Shelbourne. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Drogheda United's starters have collected 17 yellow cards this season, compared to 38 for Shelbourne. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Drogheda United's starting XI is 24.9 (youngest: D. Kareem (19), oldest: R. Brennan (34)), while Shelbourne average 25.7 (youngest: J. Henry-Francis (22), oldest: S. Gannon (34)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Drogheda United's starters average 12 league appearances each, versus 23 for Shelbourne. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Kevin Doherty
Substitutes
Coach: Joseph Martin O'Brien
Rivalry since 2019
Drogheda United vs Shelbourne Head to Head Results· 22
Drogheda United and Shelbourne have met 22 times — Drogheda United won 3, Shelbourne won 11, with 8 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Shelbourne leads the head-to-head with 11 victories from 22 meetings. A combined 64 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.91 per match (23 for the home side, 41 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 13 matches (59%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 12 games (55%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–4 in 2026.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Drogheda United have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. Shelbourne show 1 win, 2 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026