Djenairo Daniels produces late magic to earn a point for Cork City

But Seani Maguire headed over from four yards in the eighth added minute as Ger Nash’s side couldn’t snap their 10-game winless streak.

Sligo Rovers’ win saw them fall four points away from the relegation play-off berth in front of 1,815 fans.

A week since their expulsion from the UEFA Conference League was confirmed, Drogs hoped to rebuild their European dreams with back-to-back wins. But Shane Farrell’s fantastic free-kick wasn’t enough as they dropped to third.

Earlier on Monday, City announced the signing of Rory Feely from Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee. Like Colchester United recruit Fiacre Kelleher, the ex-Bohs defender will be available to play from the start of July.

That duo are urgently required as City failed again to keep a first clean sheet of the season.

City mirrored Drogs’ 3-5-2 formation and started in spirited fashion. But it was the visitors celebrating in the 12th minute.

After Milan Mbeng’s foul on Ryan Brennan, Farrell stepped up and unleashed a sublime 25-yard curler over the wall. It clipped off the post on its way to the net.

City are quickly becoming the 24-year-old’s favourite opposition as both his goals this season have come against the Leesiders.

That would be Drogs’ only shot of the half. In their customary style, Doherty’s side were happy to soak up pressure as City held 74pc of possession.

Daniels had a header in front of goal, but didn’t connect properly.

Darragh Crowley’s brilliant floated pass over the cover found Maguire, who guided his looping header wide.

City continued to struggle to translate control into shots on target in the second half.

Douglas James-Taylor almost capitalised on Freddie Anderson’s poor touch, but Tein Troost reacted sharply to save his defender’s blushes by parrying over the crossbar.

It looked like City had run out of time until Josh Fitzpatrick’s cross was met by Daniels’ bullet header for his fifth goal of the season.

Then, Mbeng fizzed a ball across for Maguire, who diverted over the bar.

Cork City: Troost; Crowley (O’Sullivan 46), Anderson, Lyons; Mbeng, S Murray (Shipston 64), Nelson (Dijksteel 77), Bolger (McLaughlin 68), Kiernan (Fitzpatrick 68); Maguire, Daniels.

Drogheda Utd: Dennison; Cooper (Harper-Bailey 8), Keeley, Quinn; Lambe, Brennan (Markey 67), Farrell, Heeney, Kane; James-Taylor, Davis (Oluwa 78).

Referee: A Patchell (Dublin).