Buoyed by a four-point take in two games, Kilkenny are thinking in terms of survival again. More important than claiming their first home win of the season when beating Drogheda in this bottom-of-the-table clash, the Cats won back their self-respect. However, defeat dumped Drogheda back to the foot of the table.

Kilkenny manager Alfie Hale pointed out that the Cats have two games in hand on UCD, the team immediately above them, and he was adamant the gap between them could be bridged.

City were good value for this win, even if the width of a post saved them at the finish. In the 91st minute, Drogheda reserve. Brian Irwin unleashed a rocket-like shot from 20 yards on the right. The ball sailed beyond the reach of diving, home goalkeeper, John Connolly, but it cannoned off the far upright.

During a dour and tight opening half, the losers had whatever luck was in it. Kevin Kelly pierced the defences in the 18th minute, and appeared to be knocked over, but referee Tom Tully waved play on. On the half-hour, Trevor Vaughan sent Kelly racing clear again. The latter's right wing cross was met by the in-rushing Aidan Cooney, but his firm header missed the target and shortly before half-time, Drogheda might have sneaked a goal. However, Connolly did well to turn a 25-yard drive by Greg O'Dowd out for a corner.

In the 52nd minute, the match exploded into life. Kelly then did well on the right. His low cross was met by Davie Walsh, who swept the ball low into the net.

For a while afterwards, the home side was very jittery, and Alan Murphy gave them a scare when heading wide from close range. In the 72nd minute, Drogheda drew level. A free on the right from John Coady was met perfectly by the unchallenged Joe Gannon, who rose above all to head the ball into the net.

After Kevin Kelly put over the top at the other end in the 76th minute, Kilkenny engineered the winner. Kelly drove over a corner from the left, and reserve John Power clipped the ball into the net with a header from the near post.

The Cats hope that that goal can change what has been a miserable season thus far. Time will tell.

Kilkenny City: Connolly, G Kelly, Carolan, Reid, Smith, K Kelly, P Walsh, Cooney, Vaughan, D Walsh, Rea. Subs: Power for Vaughan (71 min).

Drogheda United: Byrne, Hill, Coady, N Reid, Carroll, Fox, Beggs, O'Dowd, Gallen, J Reid, Harte. Subs: Murphy for Reid (54 mins), Irwin for Harte (54 mins).

Referee: T Tully (Cork).