Derry City 0-1 Drogheda United

Drogheda United may have lost out twice to Derry City this season but Paul Doolin's men certainly set the record straight at the Brandywell, with this win significantly boosting his side's chances of securing a place in the UEFA Cup next season.

And the victory was thoroughly deserved as an out-of-sorts Derry clearly missed the leadership qualities of their twin centre-halves Peter Hutton (injured) and Clive Delaney (suspended).

Well organised and clearly up to for the task, Paul Doolin's side constantly frustrated Derry, as the home side uncharacteristically struggling with their usual passing and movement.

Derry opened brightly with Gareth McGlynn bringing the best out of Jamie Ewings in the 18th minute, the midfielder's shot superbly turned around his post by the Drogheda keeper.

But two minutes later a mistake in the home defence allowed Faz Kudozovic race into a one-on-one situation with Gerard Doherty but the keeper did well to block the effort.

Drogheda seemed to grow in stature and in the 33rd minute they broke the deadlock which what appeared a somewhat fortuitous goal.

The hard-working Richie Baker got in behind the home defence on the right and his low drive into the danger area saw Eamon Zayed get a deft touch on the ball which appeared to find the net off the leg of Doherty at his near post.

And two minutes later Drogheda went close to doubling their lead. Derry lived dangerously at the back and when Shane Robinson gained possession his shot from 20 yards screamed narrowly wide of the upright.

After the break the visitors continued to push forward as the home side continued to struggle, Shaun Maher went so close to adding a second goal, his downward header bouncing over the crossbar from close range on the hour.

Doherty saved Derry's bacon one minute later when he denied Kudozovic with a superb stop, diverting the striker's close range shot over his crossbar.

With 10 minutes remaining a 25 yards shot from Kevin Deery was easily saved by Ewings as the home side continued to struggle in the front line.

And in the 87th minute McGlynn's curling shot threatened the visiting rearguard but the ball narrowly sailed over the crossbar.

Derry City - Doherty; Deery, McChrystal, McCallion, Gray (McHugh, 74 mins.); McGlynn, Molloy, Higgins 6 (Dennehy, 63 mins.), McGinn; Morrow (Stewart, 74 mins.), Farren.

Drogheda United - Ewings; Shelley, Gartland, Maher, Kendrick; Baker (Hughes, 81 mins.), Keegan, Robins, Cahill ; Kudozovic, Zayed.

Referee - Mr. H. Whoriskey (Meath).