FULL TIME: James Akintunde's first-half goal was cancelled out by Dale Rooney's stunning free kick, forcing Drogheda United and Derry City to share the spoils at Head in the Game Park. Akintunde's goal appeared to be the start of a great night for the away team. The Candystripes had been in control for the majority of the game. But Drogheda had other ideas as  Dale Rooney beat Maher with a superb strike to tie the game for the Drogs after Drogheda the home side survived much of the storm.

Three added minutes here - will there be a winner?

Poynton gets a yellow for a challenge on Patching.

What a stop on the line! Declan Glass with a cross-shot that is cleared off the line by Andrew Quinn. An excellent block !

Adam Foley comes on for Dylan Grimes.

Declan Glass comes on for Patrick McEleney as they look to bolster the attacking threat.

A double change for Derry as Jamie McGonigle and Brandon Kavanagh comes in to replace Michael Duffy and James Akintunde.

Even Weir breaks into the area and cuts inside onto his right but his shot was easily saved.

Graydon breaks free on goal and goes down in the area but no penalty was given.

POST! Even Weir is an excellent cross into the area which comes to Dale Rooney and he hits a thunderous effort on the volley that cracks off the post. Inches away from two brilliant goals.

TACKLE: What a challenge from Evan Weir - a cross into the area and Graydon looked set to score only for Weir with a brilliant challenge to stop the certain goal

CHANCE: Will Patching with a free kick on the edge of the area but it takes a deflection and it's a corner kick to the away side which is well gathered by McCabe.

Cameron McJanett gets a yellow card for a foul outside of his own goal area.

GOAL: What a hit! Daly Rooney from a free kick after Connolly commits a foul - Rooney's free kick curls into the top right-hand corner.

A Derry break from the free kick and Deegan gets a yellow card for what can be deemed a 'professional' foul.

SAVE: What a strike from the free kick from Williams and Maher is forced to make an excellent save.

Darragh Markey with an excellent pass and Williams looked to break free of Connolly but he falls in the area the referee calls for a free kick and not a penalty. That was a close call.

SECOND HALF: Derry re-start proceedings here at Head in the Game Park.

HALF TIME: Derry has been the better side but only really created one chance of note as James Akintunde opens the scoring after 38 minutes, Drogheda have been impressive in spells and is not out of this contest.

There has been a minute's applause in memory of Dave Conroy from all inside Head in the Game Park, the Drogheda United coach died last year.

That goal from Akintunde is the 100th goal scored by Derry under manager Ruaidhrí Higgins.

GOAL! The sixth goal of the season for Akintunde - he spun Evan Weir and strikes a low effort that flies past McCabe and into the bottom corner.

Akintunde gets a yellow card for falling in the area and the referee feels it was assimilation.

Drogheda and Derry both knocking on the door at the moment - its been just the final third decision that is letting both sides down. Derry looks very threatening but Drogheda has been solid defensively.

Evan Weir gets a yellow card for a high challenge.

CHANCE: Drogheda had a great opportunity - Coll gifts the ball to Dylan Grimes and his cross was sent to the back post and the target man was just missed.

The game has calmed down since the early burst of chances from Derry, Drogheda growing into the contest.

Drogheda get their first sight on goal with Dale Rooney striking on the edge of the area but the build-up was impressive with Darragh Markey pulling the strings.

SAVE: Colin McCabe saves a certain goal from Will Patching as the midfielder took the ball from Poynton and his low curling effort was well saved by the Drogheda keeper.

Duffy and McEleney link up well on the edge of the area - the ball comes off Nugent and Duffy rolls the ball to Akintunde but McCabe is brave to get down for the ball. Early running is all Derry at present.

CLOSE: Patrick McEleney picks up the ball on the edge of the area and he lets one fly with a low effort despite McCabe having it covered the bounce of the ball could have veered the ball in. Derry have the first sight on goal.

And we are underway Drogheda United kick-off proceedings.

Ryan Brennan the goal-scoring hero from last week is out following pulling his hamstring against Shelbourne.

Despite being over ten points clear of ninth place - Drogheda United manager Kevin Doherty does not think they are safe "We're not safe. People keep saying that."

If they were looking for repeat antics when it comes to scoring Drogheda United won't find a player to do so tonight: All of the Drogheda United players who scored against Derry City last season are no longer at the club in 2023 as Dinny Corcoran has moved to Wexford, Killian Philips is now at Crystal Palace, Mark Doyle now dons the shirt of St Patrick's Athletic while James Browne is at Blackburn Rovers.

Drogheda United have earned six 1-1 draws this season, three have been at home and three have been away.

Derry City has the best away record in the league this season - only recording two defeats on league road trips in 2022. Their last trip to county Louth saw them concede a 93rd-minute goal from Patrick Hoban for Dundalk to snatch a draw.

Team news from Derry is that Michael Duffy starts tonight with Akintunde up front against Drogheda United.

Good Evening from Final Whistle HQ - Ciaran Callan here to cover a big game in Louth as Drogheda United take on Derry City