DROGHEDA UNITED took a massive step towards securing their place in the Premier Division for next season with this single goal win over Galway United at Hunky Dorys Park.

This victory sees the Boynesiders move nine points clear of their relegation rivals.

Mick Cooke’s side were fully deserving of the win, however, their inability to convert a host of chances that came their way over the hour and a half would have to give cause for concern.

On the basis of the opening exchanges Galway didn’t look like a side that conceded eight goals a week ago as they enjoyed much the better of matters against an edgy looking home side.

Bobby Ryan drew a fine save from keeper Steven Trimble and when Stephen Quigley gave possession away all too easily Jinlu Kim darted into the box before setting up Alan Murphy who was also denied by Trimble.

Somewhat against the run of play Drogheda then took the lead when Quigley, making amends for his earlier error, sent a pass through to Tiernan Mulvenna who slotted the ball under keeper Conor Winn.

Buoyed by their lead the Boynesiders finished the half strongly with Mulvenna volleying over and Dinny Corcoran meeting a Peter McMahon free only to see his effort flash only just the wrong side of the post.

A Stephen Walsh free was crying out for the slightest of touches to send it to the net early on in the second half but unfortunately there was no Galway assist forthcoming.

Mulvenna then showed great awareness allowing the ball pass him to McMahon who sent it out right to Brian Gannon whose shot was pushed out by Winn to Jordan White who couldn’t direct his header on goal as Drogheda went close to doubling their advantage.

Just past the hour Mulvenna was on the end of a Gavin Brennan delivery only to see his initial header pushed into the air by Winn and a second effort sail wide.

It was all Drogheda at this stage as Alan McNally somehow managed to lift the ball over the bar from close range and Gannon set up Mulvenna who cracked his shot only just too high.

Galway were reduced to ten men on 71 minutes when debutant Yob Son received his marching orders for a dangerous challenge on Gavin Brennan.

With their numerical advantage the home side turned the screw, however, their finishing left an awful lot to be desired as they failed to secure that crucial second goal that would have eased nerves.

Brian Gannon’s powerful strike was blocked by a defender, Hand and Mulvenna combined once more only for the latter to send his shot wide and Gannon’s cross was flicked on by Mulvenna to Lee Lynch who was also off target with his effort.

In the closing minutes Brennan’s header wasn’t far away and Jordan White sent his shot up and over as that solitary first half strike proved sufficient to see Drogheda take the points.      

DROGHEDA UNITED: Trimble, McMahon, Rodgers, Gannon, McNally, Lynch, Brennan, Quigley, Corcoran (White 50), Mulvenna, Hand.

GALWAY UNITED: Winn, Kelly, Browne, Walsh, Son, Sinnott, Ryan, Kelly, Kim, Murphy, Cauldwell.

Referee: P Sutton (Clare)