Drogheda U 2 Shelbourne 1:DROGHEDA HAD to fight all the way for three vital points that keeps them on course for a top three finish and European football next term as they defeated Shelbourne for the third time this season.

A goal to the good at the break through Declan O’Brien, the home side appeared to seal it with a late strike in the second half from Ryan Brennan. However, a late Philip Hughes goal for the visitors ensured a nervous finish. After a quiet start Conan Byrne’s shot rebounded off the chest of Drogheda goalkeeper Gabriel Sava to Philip Gorman, however, defender Alan Byrne stopped the striker getting his shot on target.

With 21 minutes gone United took the lead from the penalty spot after Glen Cronin pulled down Declan O’Brien and the striker duly smashed home the spot kick.

Within minutes Phil Gorman fired narrowly over for Shelbourne. Eric Foley and Gavin Brennan had chances to extend the home side’s lead before the break.

Shelbourne began the second half brightly going close from a Brian Clancy free and a brace of Conan Byrne efforts. Both sides were reduced to 10 men when Gareth Matthews and Gavin Brennan were sent off after an altercation. Drogheda spurned further chances before Ryan Brennan’s shot took a deflection before it nestled in the net. Philip Hughes’s late goal ensured a nervy finish for the home fans.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Sava, Hand, Prendergast, Byrne, R Brennan, G Brennan, Hynes (Brady 67, Marks 82), Crowley, Gannon, O’Brien, Foley.

SHELBOURNE: Bennion, Matthews, Fitzgerald, Paisley, Cronin (Dawson 86), C Byrne, Shortall (Ryan 67), Clancy (Hughes 71), Hurley, P Byrne, Gorman.

Referee: N. Doyle (Dublin)