Drogheda United 1 Bohemians 0Declan O'Brien's sixth league goal of the season sees Drogheda United top the Premier Division going into a three-week break. The leaders could even afford a penalty miss by their goal scorer after 28 minutes at United Park.

Bohemians had goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien sent off with 10 minutes remaining for handling the ball outside his penalty area.

With 23 minutes gone O'Brien stopped a Shane Robinson volley. United then won a penalty when Jason McGuinness fouled Declan O'Brien just inside the box. Missiles were thrown at the match officials and it was several minutes before O'Brien could take the penalty which was saved.

Just four minutes later O'Brien made up for his miss when he was again taken down by McGuinness 25 yards from goal. From Keith Fahy's free O'Brien steered the ball to the net for a deserved lead.

Seven minutes from the break Bohemians went close when Aidan Collins guided the ball just over the crossbar.

Early in the second half each side created good openings. Firstly Stephen Ward's powerful header was saved by United goalkeeper Dan Connor. Play swung to the other end as James Keddy fired his shot past O'Brien but it came back off the butt of the post.

With 79 minutes played Drogheda put together a lovely move which saw Robinson break from his own half down the left, he crossed for Glen Fitzpatrick who laid the ball off to substitute Damian Lynch but he drove his shot over the bar.

Bohemians then lost O'Brien with 10 minutes remaining. Reserve goalkeeper was forced into action immediately saving Simon Webb's free.

Bohemians nearly landed a late equaliser as McGuinness's header was hooked off the line by Lynch.

DROGHEDA: Connor; Webb, Gavin, Gartland, Robinson, Whelan, O'Brien, Keddy (Lynch 62), Fahy, Shelley, Ristila (Fitzpatrick 10).

BOHEMIANS: O'Brien; Rice, Byrne, Hunt, McGuinness, Collins (Powell 79), Duggan (O'Keeffe 68), Heary (Gregg 80), Kelly, Arkins, Ward.

Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).