SOCCER/Shamrock Rovers 0 Drogheda United 2:Drogheda have everything but a little finger on this, their first, league title.
Only a fortnight ago this tie was touted as a potential league decider. But while the leaders remained focused and composed, those around them fell asunder, making their task all the easier.
It's not Drogheda's fault the run-in has proved anti-climactic, and they arrived in the capital knowing another consistent, professional performance would lead them to the line.
Mindful of their opponent's durability this season, they tailored a measured performance that smothered whatever Rovers threw at them.
But more than anything, they travelled in the knowledge that a win would set up a title clincher at home to Cork next week. That was incentive enough for a visiting side that confidently set about their task.
Just weeks ago Rovers were breathing down Drogheda's neck, but, having derailed and fallen off the pace, they now cut the look of a battle-worn team grappling with a long season.
Previous performances were peppered with pace and verve and always initiated from the front foot. Last night, Pat Scully's men spent too much time chasing hungry players sprinting towards the title.
At times sluggish when closing down and often careless with ball to feet, Rovers regularly afforded their opponents possession without having to graft for it.
Drogheda have made it their business this season to exploit such gifts and needed no second invitation.
Passing was always crisp and drives upfield were complemented by a superb midfield quartet that proved cohesive and inventive for the duration.
Wingers Shane Robinson and Ollie Cahill penetrated at every opportunity, and with strikers Guy Bates and Eamon Zayed showing well, it proved a tortuous evening for the Rovers rearguard.
Having tested goalkeeper Barry Murphy as early as the second minute, it was no surprise when the visitors took the lead after 17.
Zayed showed tremendous strength when riding Dean Lawrence's powder-puff challenge. Murphy then took the sting out of a fierce shot, but nothing more, as it fizzed through his hands.
Such was the pressure they faced, Rovers could have rolled over, but twice Ger Rowe went close with headed efforts before the break.
That confidence carried through after the restart; Paul Shiels manfully duked it out in the centre while fullback Robbie Clarke bombarded the Drogheda box with crosses aplenty. But Drogheda were impenetrable.
Although losing their earlier swagger, the visitors kept their eye on the prize. Zayed doubled the lead just after the hour mark when casually slotting home Bates' lay-off from close range.
Drogheda held a frustrated Rovers side at arm's length for the remainder, affording a sizeable travelling support ample time to rejoice in the aisle of the Ballybough terrace that housed them.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; O'Brien, Lawrence, O'Connor, Clarke; Mulhall, McGill (Tyrell, 75 mins), Shiels, Cassidy (Myler, 60 mins); Purcell, Rowe.
DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor; Shelly, Gartland, Gavin, Webb; Robinson, Keegan, Byrne, Cahill (Cahill, 90 mins); Bates (O'Keeffe, 89 mins), Zayed.
Referee: A Kelly (Cork)
