Drogheda Utd 1 Derry City 0:Recent signing Guy Bates scored in the very first minute to push Drogheda United closer to their first Premier Division title as they ended the Candystripes' long unbeaten record at United Park last night.
It proved a vital three points for the home side, whose championship rivals kept the pressure on by also recording home victories.
The Boynesiders kicked off needing to end the slump which has seen them take just three points out of a possible 12 in recent weeks and threatened to derail their title charge.
However, any nerves the home side might have had were dispelled inside 60 seconds when Barry Molloy bundled over Guy Bates just over 20 yards from the Derry goal.
Bates, making his full home debut for Drogheda, took responsibility for the free kick and promptly blasted it through the defensive wall and in off Patrick Jennings' right-hand post.
DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor, Shelley, Gavin, Gartland, Webb, Baker, Robinson, Keegan, Cahill (Keddy 71), Zayed (Grant 89), Bates.
DERRY CITY: Jennings, McCallion, Hutton, Oman, Brennan, McGlynn, Martyn, Molloy, Higgins, Farren (Hargen 62), McHugh (Morrow 56, McCafferty 73).
Referee: Damien Hancock (Dublin).
