Longford Town 0 Drogheda United 2Drogheda United were full value for their victory at Flancare Park on Saturday night, as they controlled the game for long periods against a lacklustre Longford Town.

Two second-half goals guaranteed the three points and moved the Co Louth side away from the dreaded play-off spot.

Drogheda were first to settle and it took a goal-line clearance from Seán Dillon on six minutes to deny Declan O'Brien the opening score.

Andy Myler shot wide on 19 minutes and was denied a goal on 30 minutes, Stephen O'Brien in theLongford goal making a fine save.

At this stage Longford produced the move of the match when four players combined to put centre half Barry Ferguson through on goal, but his shot from 25 yards was inches over the bar with goalkeeper Gary Rogers beaten.

Both goals came as a result of poor defending. The first arrived in the 54th minute when midfielder Gary Cronin capitalised on hesitancy in the home defence.

Drogheda made victory sure in the 80th minute when once again the home defence was at fault and leading scorer Andy Myler made no mistake from close range.

Longford hit the bar twice in the second half but couldn't break down a resolute Drogheda defence.

LONGFORD: O'Brien; Murphy, Dillon, McGovern, Ferguson, Keogh, Byrne, Perth, Barrett, Francis, Prunty. Subs: Lavine for Byrne (59); Kelly for Francis (80 mins); Gartland for Perth (88 mins).

DROGHEDA: Rogers; Grey, O'Connor, Cronin, Molloy, Scully, Quinless, Flanagan, O'Brien, Myler, Tierney.

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).