Derry City 0 Drogheda United 1:BRIAN KING, son of Noel, the Irish international women's team and former Brandywell boss, was the Drogheda hero last night as his 88th-minute winning goal extended the Boynesider's unbeaten run to six matches

The midfielder, born in Derry’s Altnagelvin Hospital while his father managed the Brandywell side, got his head to a cross from the left during a rare Drogheda attack in the second half to seriously dent the Candystripes championship aspirations.

And that sucker punch will be hard to take for the home side, who now surrender second spot in the league to Shamrock Rovers who defeated Bray.

Derry had dominated the second period but the Drogheda back four stood firm with goalkeeper Paul Skinner also playing an integral role in what what could prove a vital victory for the visitors.

Despite all the Derry possession it was Drogheda who had the final say when King got onto a cross from Ian Ryan to effectively silence the Brandywell as Derry City lost back-to-back games.

DERRY CITY: Doherty; O’Brien, Delaney, Hutton, McCallion (McClean, 80 mins); Scullion (Molloy, 57 mins), Higgins, McGlynn, Stewart (McManus, 57 mins); Morrow, Farren.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Skinner; Ryan, McNally, Kenna, Clarke; King, Crowley (Chambers, 27 mins), Shiels, Martin (McGill, 77 mins); Duffy, Barrett (Woods, 90 mins)

Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).