Derry City remain in serious relegation trouble following this drab scoreless draw at the Brandywell last night and for new boss, Gavin Dykes, the result will be viewed as two points lost.

While still waiting for his first win, UCD manager Paul Doolin will be much the happier. His team defended well and could have stolen victory.

In what proved to be a particularly dour relegation battle, scoring chances were at a premium with defences well on top.

The home side dominated during the opening period but with Drogheda defending deep, Derry lacked ideas in the final third of the field.

However, of the noteworthy chances created, it was Derry who went closest to scoring. After just two minutes Michael Holt struck a thunderous volley which crashed off the legs of Drogheda goalkeeper, Gary Rodgers, before going wide.

In the 35th minute, Eamon Doherty blasted a shot over the crossbar following a corner while Ciaran Martyn went close in the 40th minute.

Drogheda created their first real scoring chance in the 53rd minute when an incisive ball from Steven Gray found Don Tierney but, in the one-on-one situation, Derry goalkeeper Alan Gough blocked the ball.

Four minutes later, Rodgers produced a fine save at the other end when he finger-tipped a Gareth McGlynn header over his crossbar.

Paul Doolin's side went close again in the 66th minute. Ciaran Quinn broke on the left and as the Derry defence appeared to back off him, his low shot screamed agonisingly wide.

Drogheda finished the game with 10 men as Pat Scully was sent off for a second booking four minutes into added time.

DERRY: Gough; McCallion, Clery, Hutton, McLaughlin, Doherty, McGlynn, Martyn, Coyle (Coyle, half-time), Beckett, Holt (Farren, 78 mins).

DROGHEDA: Rodgers, Gray, Kelly, Lynch (O'Connor, 83), Molloy, Scully, Gallagher (Flanagan, 74), Quinnless, Quinn, Myler, Tierney,

Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).