Derry City moved into second spot in the Premier Division following what proved a deserved victory over reigning champions, Drogheda United, in front of 4,000 fans at the Brandywell on Friday night.
And the victory finally removes the Indian Sign which Drogheda held over the Candystripes for the last two years.
Undefeated Derry secured the points thanks to two goals in as many minutes in the second half while Drogheda's woes were compounded in the 57th minute when striker, Ibrakima Iyane Thiam was shown a second yellow card by referee, Damien Hancock.
With both sides cancelling each other out during the opening stages, the action was confined to the early stages of gthe second half.
In the 52nd minute Stephen Gray sent Owen Morrison scampering clear on the left and his low cross into the danger area appeared to be bundled home by Drogheda full-back, Joe Kendrick as Mark Farren attempted to challenge.
And two minutes later the Candystripes doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Farren worked his way into the area before Brian Shelley clearly brought him down and the Derry striker drove the ball home from the spot.
The visitors dominated the ball afterwards and Hughes went so close to reducing the deficit in the 83rd minute but his close range shot was blocked on the line.
Derry City – Quigley; McGlynn, Delaney, Hutton, Gray; McCourt (McGinn, 75 mins.), Molloy, Higgins, Morrison (Martyn, 88 mins.); Farren, McHugh (Sammon, 82 mins.).
Drogheda Utd – Vilmunen; Byrne, Gartland, Shelley, Kendrick; Robinson, Keegan (O’Keefe, 80 mins.) Hughes, Cahill; Iyane Thiam, Zayed (Bates, 69 mins.).
Referee – Mr. D. Hancock (Dublin).
