With Drogheda in dominant form for the most part, Keith Fahey crossed from the right early in the game for Declan O'Brien, whose shot was saved by Packie Holden. With 13 minutes gone Holden again came to his side's rescue when he saved from O'Brien once more.

Waterford created their first chance after half an hour when Seán Finn forced a save out of Dan Connor. Drogheda's pressure paid off eight minutes from the break when a Mark Leech strike was parried by Holden to O'Brien, who finished to the net.

Minutes later the visitors almost levelled through Stephen Grant. Drogheda should have scored again but O'Brien let a chance slip. The second half continued in the same vein with the home side in control but unable to nick a precious second goal.

DROGHEDA: Connor; Lynch, Webb, Gray, Gavin, Whelan, Robinson (Keegan 82), Fahey, O'Brien, Leech (Malcolm 69), Sandvliet.

WATERFORD: Holden; Hayes, Browne, Mulcahy, Doherty, Purcell, Finn, Grant (Crowley 65), Lester, Andrews (Banville 78), Heffernan.

Referee: Hugo Whoriskey (Meath).