Dundalk 1 Drogheda Utd 2:DROGHEDA UNITED'S Paul Crowley led by example as his 65th minute goal settled a pulsating Louth derby with Dundalk at Oriel Park last night in front of a crowd of approximately 1,000.

Crowley popped up with a cracking header to restore Drogheda’s lead just two minutes after Gary Shanahan had wiped out Ryan Brennan’s 43rd minute opener. Mick Cooke will have special praise for goalkeeper Gabriel Sava who made four magnificent saves late on.

Drogheda’s Peter Hynes saw a 30-yard blockbuster crash against the bar early on before Marc Griffin’s free kick flew just wide for the hosts after 14t minutes. Drogheda took the lead after 43 minutes. Declan O’Brien shifted the ball for Ryan Brennan to cross and Seán Brennan was on hand at the back post for a cool finish.

Dundalk equalised in the 63rd minute, John Mountney setting up substitute Gary Shanahan who fired home.

The visitors restored their lead just two minutes later. Eric Foley teased in a brilliant cross and Crowley made no mistake with a fabulous header.

Dundalk threw everything forward in a bid to salvage a point and Sava made a trio of wonderful stops late on from Griffin to deny them a share of the spoils. Drogheda’s Eric Foley saw red late on for a second bookable offence.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; McLaughlin (McSorley 75, mins), Foran, Burns, Murphy; Walsh, Shields, Mountney, McDonnell (Thomas, 83 mins); Griffin, ONeill (Shanahan, 58 mins).

DROGHEDA UNITED: Sava; Quigley, Prendergast, McNally, Hand; R Brennan (Marshal, 89 mins), Crowley, Foley, S Brennan; Hynes (Breen, 90 mins), D O’Brien (M O’Brien, 90 mins).

Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).