A goal from John Reid midway through the second half was enough to give Drogheda their first Premier Division win of the season at United Park last night. It was a victory made all the sweeter given that it came against arch rivals Dundalk. But although there was just a goal in it at the finish, the home side were well worth the three points.

Martin Lawlor's men dictated the play from the start but suffered an early blow when influential midfielder Rod de Khors was stretchered off after 20 minutes with a suspected broken ankle. However, United re-grouped and continued where they left off and both Joe Gallen and Greg O'Dowd were unlucky not to break the deadlock before the interval.

The breakthrough finally arrived on 63 minutes when Reid rose high at the penalty spot to head home an O'Dowd corner. And although the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser, Reid had a glorious opportunity to make sure of victory when sent clear with just 'keeper Stephen Williams to beat. However, Reid lost control at the vital second and put his shot well wide.

Drogheda: Byrne; Hill, Coady, Impey, Carroll, De Khors, Beggs, O'Dowd, Gallen, J Reid, N Reid. Subs: Fox for De Khors (20 mins) Irwin for J Reid and Harte for Gallen (both 88 mins).

Dundalk: Williams: Hoey, Crawley, Doohan, Brady, Melvin, McCoy, McNulty, Carlyle, Withnell, Byrne.

Referee: J McKeown (Dublin).