Derry City recorded their third consecutive victory following this comfortable win over lowly Drogheda United at the Brandywell on Saturday night. Two goals in front after only 10 minutes, Derry were coasting until Drogheda reduced the deficit in the 18th minute, but the match was basically ended as a contest when the current champions netted their third goal six minutes later.
Derry defender, Shaun Gallagher, raced from the halfway line in the fifth minute before he was upended by Drogheda skipper Ian Hill inside the area and Paul Curran crashed the penalty to the net after sending Gareth Byrne the wrong way.
Derry doubled their lead five minutes later. Following a short corner, James Keddy was allowed too much space to run into the box and drive an angled shot into the corner.
Drogheda hit back in the 18th minute when Noel Reid ran on to a Michael Harte through-ball.
But Derry were not to be denied and restored their two-goal advantage in the 24th minute when striker Damien Redden bundled a low cross into the visitors' net.
In what proved a particularly disappointing second half, the home side had the final say in the 85th minute. Substitute Ryan Semple, being released by Dykes, gave Byrne no chance in the subsequent one-on-one situation.
Derry City: O'Dowd; Doherty, Curran, Dykes, Gallagher, Mohan, Hutton, Hegarty, Keddy, Coyle, Redden. Subs: Semple for Redden (60 mins), Brunton for Gallagher (64 mins), Kelly for Mohan (75 mins).
Drogheda United: Byrne; Hill, J Reid, Impey, Coady, Harte, De Khors, Ramage, Murphy, N reid, Fox. Subs: Irwin for Fox (52 mins), Beggs for De Khors (78 mins).
Referee: M Tomney (Dublin).
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