Gareth McGlynn’s clinical second-half strike settled this tense Premier Division clash as Bohemians maintained their push for the title and condemned Drogheda to their sixth straight defeat.
The reigning champions were almost stunned inside 15 seconds when Drogheda attacked straight from the kick-off and Ryan Brennan teed up Glen Fitzpatrick whose shot was beaten away by keeper Chris O’Connor.
But Bohs gradually gained the upper hand and Jason Byrne flashed two shots and a header narrowly wide of Drogs keeper Robert Duggan’s goal in quick succession.
It remained goal-less at the break and Paul Keegan headed narrowly over on 53 minutes, before Drogheda’s Ronan McEnteggart drilled a shot narrowly wide.
The visitors then had Mark Quigley booked for diving in the box, but went on to win it on 77 minutes when McGlynn latched onto Conor Powell’s long ball and lashed a shot past Duggan.
Drogheda United: 23 Robert Duggan; 2 Eric McGill, 5 Alan McNally, 16 Michael Daly, 3 Yael Haro; 14 Darren Meenan (9 Paul Matondo 85), 19 Ryan Brennan, 10 Paul Crowley, 12 Ronan McEnteggart (8 Conor Sinnott 73); 18 Glen Fitzpatrick, 13 Darragh McNamara (11 John Flood 69). Subs not used: 17 Kevin Ross, 1 Paul Skinner.
Booked: McGill (56min), Meenan (68min), Fitzpatrick (84min).
Bohemians: 25 Chris O’Connor; 2 Owen Heary, 5 Brian Shelley, 6 Ken Oman, 3 Conor Powell; 7 Gareth McGlynn, 8 Paul Keegan, 4 Glenn Cronin, 11 Mark Quigley (16 Killian Brennan 69); 10 Jason Byrne (12 Paddy Madden 65), 9 Aaron Greene. Subs: 14 Ruaidhri Higgins, 15 Jason McGuinness, 1 Barry Murphy.
Booked: Keegan (14min), Quigley (63min).
Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).
