Mooney has them singing again

Shamrock Rovers 1 Drogheda United 0
For the first time this season, Shamrock Rovers supporters were singing as last night's victory breathed life into their survival challenge.

Since they beat Shelbourne three weeks ago, the club have suffered blow after blow as their financial state got, if possible, even more perilous.

But last night Rovers produced a gutsy performance that made their opponents, 20 points ahead of them in the table, look like a side struggling.

Drogheda had lots of possession, but even though they faced an injured goalkeeper, Barry Murphy, playing because there was no replacement, they rarely threatened.

The visitors did have the first chance in the 16th minute when Mark Leech had a close-range shot blocked by Murphy, after Stephen Bradley had picked him out, but the home side looked the more likely to score.

Pat McCourt regularly tested Dan Connor's handling while Mark Rutherford and Dave Mooney were also dangerous with headers.

Three minutes after the break Rovers took the lead. There seemed little danger for the visitors when Stephen Gough burst forward before passing the ball to Trevor Molloy in his own half out on the left flank.

But Molloy instantly hoisted the ball over the napping visitors' defence for Mooney, who took the ball on his chest before advancing and slotting past Connor from the edge of the area.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; Gavin, McGuinness, Doyle; Gough, McDonagh (Caffrey 74), McDonnell, Rutherford; McCourt (Manley 87); Mooney, Molloy.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor; Lynch, Gartland, Grey, Webb; Sullivan (Rooney 78), Bradley, Whelan, Sandvliet; Ristella, Leech (O'Brien 56).

Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).