Drogheda Utd 1 St Patrick's Ath 0:A GUTSY, whole-hearted performance from Drogheda saw Alan Mathews' battlers lift themselves off the bottom of the table for the first time this season thanks to this merited win over a disappointing St Patrick's Athletic side who were fortunate not to suffer a heavier defeat.

For almost half an hour this game ambled along aimlessly before it suddenly sprang to life when Drogheda took the lead. With 31 minutes gone Jamie Duffy’s creativity on the left wing set up Shane Barrett who turned his marker brilliantly before rifling the ball to the top corner of the net.

That United didn’t double or triple their lead before the break was a mystery as the St Pat’s defence looked vulnerable every time the home side pushed forward.

Conor Kenna’s stooping header was saved by Gary Rogers and James Chambers drove a free from the edge of the box round the wall which Rogers did really well to turn out for a corner.

The second half began in the same vein as the first with the home side doing all the pressing.

Chambers, the tormentor from set pieces, drove another free with pace into the box which Alan McNally flashed just past the post.

Although Drogheda visibly tired in the closing stages, they still restricted St Pat’s to a couple of half chances.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Skinner, Ryan, Clarke, Kenna, McNally, Shiels, King, Chambers, Duffy, Martin (O'Connor, 90 mins), Barrett (Woods, 89 mins).

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC:Rogers, Maher, Haverty, Partridge, Stevens, Lester (O'Connor half-time), Harris, Byrne, Ryan (Fitzpatrick, 84 mins), Quigley (Moran, 38 mins), Gavin.

Referee: M Gough (Limerick).