Eamon Zayed’s first-half strike proved sufficient as Drogheda United piled more misery on managerless Galway United with a narrow victory at United Park tonight.
The champions made hard work of it, however, and showed few signs that they will make a strong defence of the title they won so convincingly last season.
The Tribesmen, with caretaker Billy Clery shouting instructions from the dugout, enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening stages but failed to test Drogheda goalkeeper Mikko Vilmunen.
By comparison, Paul Doolin’s men looked out of sorts, but gradually they gained the upper hand, boosted by a lively contribution from Aidan O’Keeffe in attack.
After the former Bohs man had shot straight at Galway 'keeper Gary Rogers, he played a key role when the deadlock was broken in the 17th minute.
The move started with a defence-splitting pass from the centre circle by Jason Gavin, making his first appearance of the season, and O’Keeffe took the ball around the advancing Rogers before squaring to Eamon Zayed who netted from close range.
O’Keeffe had another sight of goal on 22 minutes but shot straight at Rogers after cutting in from the left flank, before Vilmunen comfortably grabbed Wes Charles’ header following a rare Galway raid.
A foul on O’Keeffe handed Drogheda a useful free-kick opportunity, but Rogers was well positioned to tip Paul Keegan’s dipping effort over the crossbar.
O’Keeffe missed the proverbial sitter in first half injury-time after being put clean through on goal by Keegan.
At 1-0 Galway were still very much in it, and Drogheda got a reminder early in the second half when Gary Deegan’s 20-yard effort was blocked by the boot of Graham Gartland.
Then Vilmunen’s mis-hit clearance caused panic in the Drogheda defence, and the 'keeper was relieved to grab Mark Leech’s eventual shot.
John Russell then struck the side netting and John Fitzgerald had a header saved by Vilmunen in a great spell for the visitors.
Staring the bottom of the table in the face, Galway kept pushing for a precious equaliser right to the finish, but Drogheda held out for an unconvincing three points.
Drogheda United: Vilmunen, Shelley, Gavin, Gartland, Cahill, Robinson, Byrne, Keegan, Kendrick, Zayed, O’Keeffe. Subs: Grant for O’Keeffe (82min).
Galway United: Rogers, Nooitmeer, Charles, Fitzgerald, McCulloch, O’Shea, Deegan, Foley, O’Brien, Russell, Leech. Subs: Keane for McCulloch (30min), Faherty for O’Shea (79min).
Referee: Hugo Whoriskey (Meath).
