DROGHEDA UNITED delighted their biggest crowd of the season as the rediscovered the form that once had them well clear at the top of the table to book an automatic promotion place as they trounced Galway United 4-0 at United Park yesterday.

Waterford United's 2-1 home defeat of Monaghan United at the Regional Sports Centre wasn't enough and they have to settle for third place and a two legged promotion/relegation play off this week with Dundalk.

It seemed to be going Waterford's way at the RSC in Waterford as they ran up a 2-0 lead after 27 minutes. Colin Fanning put them in front in the 14th minute with a stunning 25 yard free kick after Donal Golden had been fouled by Ian Woods. Golden then headed home the second from Fanning's cross.

Drogheda were dominating at United Park as well but had to wait until three minutes before the break before Colm Tresson put them in front with a scrappy goal following a Declan Roche free kick.

Twelve minutes into the second half Drogheda were awarded a penalty, which Tresson took, but Galway goalkeeper, Gabriel Higgins, made a superb save.

Drogheda did not allow it to affect them however, and they went 2-0 up with a fine solo goal from Noel Reid in the 62nd minute. Reid then added a second in the 86th minute before Tresson signalled the promotion salutes with his second two minutes from time.

Meanwhile, Waterford's hopes had ended when James O'Callaghan pulled a goal back for Monaghan 11 minutes from time.

In other matches in the division, Ritchie Hale of Kilkenny City and Cobh Ramblers' Antonio Izzi both scored to finish level at the top of the scoring list after their side's respective 1-1 draws at Limerick and St Francis.

Longford Town finished their season with a 2-1 victory at Athlone Town with goals from Damien Gannon and Chris Malone.