United hold on for three points

Drogheda Utd 3 UCD 2:Drogheda United ended their early season goal famine but struggled to overcome a lively UCD side who put it up to their opponents throughout the game.

Having fallen behind early on, United levelled before the break and, with a two-goal lead established as the game entered the closing stages, appeared set for a comfortable win. But the Students pulled a goal back ensuring a very nervous finish for the home side who just about held on for the win.

With 10 minutes gone a fine tackle by Graham Gartland denied UCD the lead as the Drogheda centre half nicked the ball from Conor Sammon eight yards out and away for a corner.

From the resulting kick Derek Doyle poked the ball home through a crowded goalmouth for a soft goal.

Doyle's 25-yard effort dipped just over the bar on the quarter hour mark as the visitors coped comfortably with anything the home side had to offer. But as the half wore on Drogheda played themselves back into the game and drew level after 30 minutes when Stuart Byrne's shot was parried by Darren Quigley.

Ollie Cahill knocked the ball back into the box and it was cleared out to Paul Keegan whose shot was turned into the net by Declan O'Brien.

Drogheda then took the lead on 61 minutes when O'Brien played a long ball from defence which broke to Glen Fitzpatrick who lifted the ball deftly over goalkeeper Quigley who had raced from his line.

With 14 minutes remaining Drogheda appeared to seal the win when substitute Eamon Zayed, who was only on the park a couple of minutes, played a one two with Shane Robinson before knocking the ball past Quigley for goal number three.

The visitors, to their credit, refused to give up the ghost and pulled a goal back five minutes from time when Conan Byrne's cross was parried by Dan Connor but the ball fell to substitute Bogdan Opera who scored from six yards.

DROGHEDA: Connor, Webb, Gavin, Gartland, Robinson, O'Brien (Zayed 73), Fitzpatrick, Shelley, Byrne, Keegan, Cahill.

UCD: Quigley, Mahon, Gallagher (Purcell 79), Kenna, McNally, King (Crowley 86), Byrne, McFaul (Opera 79), Finn, Sammon, Doyle.

Referee: Declan Hanney(Dublin).