Dundalk have won promotion back to the Premier Division following their 1-0 victory over Louth neighbours Drogheda at Oriel Park.

Drogheda, bottom of Division One, made life very difficult for Premier-bound Dundalk in the first half.

United's Olan Flanagan came close after nine minutes with a 35-yard effort that was saved by John Connolly.

Dundalk could have scored after 27 minutes. David Crawley's 25-yard free-kick looked goal-bound, but was saved by Drogheda keeper Justin O'Neill.

A minute later, Dundalk had another chance. David Ward's shot came back off the crossbar, Martin Reilly's rebound effort was parried, and finally, Padraig Gollogley's rebound effort was deflected and saved.

Dundalk controlled the second half, with Gollogley, Ward and Crawley all had chances, but to little effect.

The home side made three changes in the second half, as they struggled to break down their neighbours' well-constructed defence.

The winning goal came from leading scorer Reilly in the 88th minute when his half-shot in the box went through the arms of O'Neill and into the net.

Dundalk can win the Division One title outright if they beat Cobh Ramblers in Cork.

Dundalk: Connolly; Whyte, Callaghan, Gollogly, Crawley; O'Dowd, Flanagan, Dunne, Ward; Ryan, M. Reilly. Subs: Mullen for Flanagan (62 mins.), Hill for Ward (67), A. Reilly for O'Dowd (80 mins.).

Drogheda United: O'Neill; Smyth, Creedon, Donnelly; Butler, Quinless, Flanagan, Byrne, Cronin; Reynolds, Farrell. Sub: Cooney for Flanagan (87 mins.)

Referee: J Breen (Dublin).