Drogheda United 3 Dundalk 2
Despite establishing a three-goal lead with 17 minutes remaining, Drogheda found themselves hanging on desperately as Dundalk pulled two goals back to make for a dramatic finale.
Drogheda's first two goals came from penalties in the 36th and 42nd minutes. John Lester put the first to Chris Bennion's left and the second he struck to the Dundalk goalkeeper's right.
Drogheda made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute after Declan O'Brien broke down the field and slid the ball past the advancing Bennion.
Dundalk pulled a goal back with 10 minutes remaining when Simon Kelly volleyed to the net from the edge of the box.
Andy Noonan stabbed home following a goalmouth scramble six minutes later but Drogheda managed to hold on until the end.
DROGHEDA:Rogers, Flanagan, Sandvliet, O'Connor, Gray, Lester, Whelan, Molloy (Lynch, 72 mins), O'Brien (Rooney, 77 mins) , Myler, Cronin.
DUNDALK:Bennion, Coburn, Kelly, Noonan, McGuinness, Marney (Kelly, 29 mins), Dunne (Vaughan, 59 mins), Kavanagh, Haylock, Quinn, Clarke.
Referee:Eddie Barr (Dublin).