Cork City manager Dave Barry might have travelled home last night content in the knowledge that the point gained at United Park yesterday sees his side trail Premier Division leaders, Shelbourne, by just seven points.

But he must have been mightily relieved, too, because the Lee-siders could just as easily have left United Park empty handed as a Christian Roberts-inspired Drogheda produced their most committed display of the season to earn a deserved share of the spoils.

Roberts, a former Wales under-21 international signed from Cardiff City on Friday, made an outstanding debut in this high-octane clash on the Windmill Road.

He almost scored midway through the first half. Greg O'Dowd cut in from the right and played a neat one-two with Fergal Coleman before squaring to Roberts, who angled the ball towards the bottom right corner, only to be denied by goalkeeper Phil Harrington, who somehow stretched out a boot to deflect the ball away.

Although Drogheda might well have had all three points, this was their sixth scoreless performance in succession and, as a result, manager Eddie May is intent on dipping into the transfer market.

If he can land another gem like 20-year-old striker Roberts the Boyne-siders will have an excellent chance of avoiding the drop.

"I still think we need another striker and that's my priority at the moment. Overall, it was a very encouraging display," said May.

In a game which was high in commitment but low in quality and chances, Cork must have been more than happy to have left United Park with a point.

The visitors were under pressure for long spells and, apart from early chances which fell to Ollie Cahill and Dave Hill, they rarely looked like scoring.

Nevertheless, manager Barry was happy in the knowledge that his side have managed to close the gap, if only slightly, on leaders Shelbourne.

"With Shels losing we can look at this as a point gained rather than two points dropped. But we could just as easily have lost it," he admitted.

Drogheda: Byrne, A Murphy, Boyle, Impey, Maher, O'Keeffe, Wallace, C Murphy, Coleman, O'Dowd, Roberts. Sub: McCann for Coleman (81 mins).

Cork: Harrington, O'Halloran, Cronin, Hill, Coughlan, Freyne, Cahill, O'Brien, Herrick, Morley, Napier. Subs: Glynn for Napier (half-time); Cotter for O'Brien (72 mins).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).