Drogheda United 4 Mervue United 0:A LATE burst by Drogheda United saw off the Galway's gallant Mervue United in front of 350 spectators.

Drogheda took the lead in the seventh minute through Daragh Hanaphy. Mervue came close to an equaliser when James Casserley’s shot hit the bar and O’Brien came to Drogheda’s rescue when he headed Jason Molloy’s effort away.

Early in the second half John King’s shot was tipped onto the post by Trimble. Drogheda made their passage to the next round safe on 78 minutes when Dinny Corcoran cleverly steered the ball to the net.

Substitute David Freeman then hit the target twice within 60 seconds to seal victory.

DROGHEDA: Trimble, O’Brien C (Murray 90), Hand, Gannon, Ekanem, Quigley, O’Brien M, McCrossan (Doyle 90), Hanaphy, Corcoran, McNamara (Freeman 60).

MERVUE: Forde, Crehan, Cunningham, Conneely , Casserley (Ludden 82), Varley, King (Lee 79), Mountney, Goldbey (Dravins 82), Gaffney, Molloy.

Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).