A David Hoey own goal midway through the first half was enough to earn Drogheda United a 1-0 victory and a place in the next round of the Eircom League Cup at the expense of neighbours Dundalk.
In what was a dull affair, the Setanta Cup champions had the edge throughout but failed to make their large share of possession count in front of goal.
Nevertheless the 20th minute own goal proved enough as Glen Fitzpatrick’s ball in from the right was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Hoey after Gavin Whelan had failed to make contact at the near post.
Drogheda should have added to that advantage 14 minutes later when substitute Mark Leech found himself unmarked in the area but his header was straight at goalkeeper Chris Bennion.
Dundalk’s best opportunity at causing an upset came in the 55th minute when when Philip Hughes raced onto Colm Kierans’ ball over the top only to of the target.
Drogheda pressed hard late on but failed to add to their advantage as they missed the presence of captain Declan O’Brien who limped off with a hamstring injury after just four minutes.
Dundalk: Bennion; Hudson, S Kelly (Duffy, 60 mins), Marney, McAuley; Hoey (Skelly, 65 mins), Dunne, Finn (McCabe, 69 mins), B Kelly, Kierans, Hughes.
Drogheda Utd: Connor; Lynch, Gray, Tyrrell, Webb; Fahey, Whelan (Robinson, 69 mins), Shelly, Keddy; O’Brien (Leech, 4 mins), Fitzpatrick (Ristila, 50 mins).
Referee: Derek Tomley (Dublin).
