Dundalk 1 Drogheda U 0:JOHNNY BREEN ended Dundalk's run of five straight defeats with the only goal of the game in the Louth derby with Drogheda United at Oriel Park last night.

Breen’s crucial strike arrived after just five minutes. Mark Quigley’s ball over the top found the local striker and with Drogheda United appeals for offside falling on deaf ears, Breen showed great composure to hook the ball over Stephen Trimble and guide it home.

The Lilywhites controlled the majority of the first half, with Mark Quigley instrumental. Drogheda created little going forward with ex-Dundalk player Tiarnan Mulvenna firing over their best chance in the 26th minute after a good pass by Philip Hand.

At the other end, Breen almost set up Greg Bolger, but he failed to control Breen’s pass in the 18-yard box.

The Dundalk goalscorer then looked to have doubled his side’s tally on the stroke of half-time but this time his lob over Trimble just missed the target.

There was an anxious moment for Dundalk in the 73rd minute when Dave Rogers just failed to get a touch on Lee Lynch’s dangerous corner.

And Drogheda almost grabbed an equaliser late on when Gavin Brennan stole in only to head over the bar.

Dundalk finished with a flourish and Keith Ward was denied by Trimble before Quigley rattled the woodwork in stoppage-time.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Madden, Hawkins, C Byrne, McHugh; Ward, Bennett, Bolger, McDonnell (J Byrne, 63 mins); Quigley, Breen (N Murphy, 84 mins).

DROGHEDA UNITED: Trimble; Gaul (OKeefe 70), McNally, Rogers, Hand; Quigley, Lynch, Gannon (OBrien half-time), Brennan; Corcoran (White, 79 mins), Mulvenna.

Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).