National League/ UCD 0; Drogheda United 2: Drogheda United, boosted by the return from suspension of key players, made up for last week's disappointing home defeat to Derry by easily accounting for UCD at Belfield Park last night.

With Declan O’Brien – their top scorer last season – back in the side, Paul Doolin’s team looked more assured and lived up to their billing as title contenders after considerable restructuring in the close season.

Drogheda went ahead on six minutes following a spell of sustained pressure. Midfielder Alan Reilly’s fierce shot was blocked inside the UCD box but the ball bobbled loose and the onrushing

Finnish international Sami Ristila powered the rebound home past Darren Quigley from 12 yards.

Jermaine Sandvliet almost doubled Drogheda’s lead on the halfhour. The lively winger broke down the left flank and with no options ahead he attempted a curling shot from 35 yards that had Quigley scrambling to cover his far post.

UCD, who struggled to show the form that earned them a draw with Shelbourne last week, went close with an Alan Mahon freekick nine minutes from half-time that had Dan Connor at full stretch.

Pete Mahon’s side were much improved after the break. Mick O’Donnell’s crisp right-foot effort was parried by the goalkeeper but it fell to Tony McDonnell and Connor had to make another smart save.

Drogheda scored again on 58 minutes when former UCD star Gavin Whelan headed home Simon Webb’s cross from the left.

UCD: Quigley; Mahon, McNally, Shorthall,

Kenna; McWalter, Dicker, McDonnell, O’Donnell;

Martin, Dupuy. Subs: Anthony Murphy for Dupuy

(65 mins), Adrian Murphy for O’Donnell.Booked: Mahon (31).DROGHEDA: Connor; Lynch, Gartland, Malcolm,

Webb; Whelan, Ristila, Reilly, Sandvliet,

Freeman, O’Brien. Subs: Bradley for Sandvliet

(76), Rooney for Freeman (78), Leech for O’Brien

(88). Booked: Malcolm (42).

Referee: Declan Hanney (Dublin)