Cork City 0-2 Drogheda United

The only unbeaten record in the country is gone as Cork City lost the meeting of FAI Cup winners and the league champions at Turner's Cross in a game that saw plenty of action before half-time.

Richie Baker headed Paul Doolin's side in front after quarter of an hour when set up by his full back Joe Kendrick, and two minutes later Cork were reduced to ten men when Joe Gamble was sent off for a foul on Shane Robinson.

Drogheda clinched the points when Aidan O'Keeffe scored his third goal in three games scoring from close-range after 36 minutes.

Cork came into the game on the back of three straight league wins, and counting Setanta Cup outings, were unbeaten in their ten matches played this season, the only club with that record.

Alan Mathews started with the side that won 3-0 at home against Finn Harps last Friday night.

Drogheda who were beaten by Bohemians following a late penalty at United Park, the third of the campaign for the title holders, were in determined mood under manager Paul Doolin.

There was plenty of first half drama where the visitors scored twice and the homeside were reduced to ten men.

Drogheda took the lead after 15 minutes when full-back Joe Kendrick sent in a fine cross for Ritchie Baker to head past Michael Devine for a fine opener.

Referee Dave McKeon sent-off Cork's Ireland midfielder Joe Gamble a couple of minutes later when he was shown a straight red card for a two-footed challenge on Shane Robinson.

Then the league champions stretched their lead when Baker turned provider sending in a cross which was met by Tony Grant, but his effort was saved by Cork goalkeeper Devine, but Aidan O'Keeffe scored Drogheda's second goal from close-range nine minutes before the break.

Cork tried to get back into the game against a solid county Louth side but the nearest they came to a goal was an overhead kick from Dave Mooney that flew over Jamie Ewing’s crossbar.

CORK: Devine; Horgan, Lordan, Murray, Danny Murphy; O'Callaghan, Healy, Gamble, Kearney; Behan, Mooney. Subs; O'Connor for Behan 62 mins.

DROGHEDA: Ewings; Shelley, Gavin, Gartland, Kendrick; Robinson, Hughes, Grant, Cahill; Baker, O'Keeffe. Subs; Keegan for Shelley 62.