Derry struck in added time to snatch all three points from this clash at United Park. Paul Hegarty found Peter Hutton with a defence-splitting pass and the Derry skipper raced into the area before slotting the ball calmly past Gareth Byrne. It was no more than Derry deserved, having dictated the play for most of the 90 minutes. Drogheda's manager, Martin Lawlor was ordered out of the dug-out after half an hour for comments made to an assistant referee.

Gavin Dykes had the best chance of the first half, but with plenty of time and only Byrne to beat he miscued his shot. Within a minute of the restart Liam Coyle headed just wide from a Tom Mohan cross before retiring injured.