SOCCER: FAI FORD CUP: Dundalk 2, Drogheda Utd 1:TWO GOALS in the space of four first-half minutes did the damage as Dundalk advanced to the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup at Oriel Park last night.

Dundalk lined out without the services of Irish Under-21 star Daniel Kearns who completed a transfer to English Championship outfit Peterborough United earlier in the day. Keith Ward was handed Kearns spot on the right flank and the former UCD seemed to enjoy the responsibility, scoring a wonderful goal and playing a major role in the Lilywhites win.

The Drogheda goalkeeper was left stranded as Dundalk took the lead in the 25th minute. Ward picked the ball up in space some 30-yards from goal and he looped a wonderful dipping effort over the goalkeeper.

Mick Cooke’s men were given a mountain to climb as Dundalk stretched their lead just four minutes later. Ross Gaynor’s corner was only half cleared and Mark Quigley executed a fantastic lob to find the net.

Drogheda opened the second-half brightly but didn’t score until stoppage time when Jordan White claimed a consolation goal.

* The FAI confirmed last night that it is investigating reports that an ineligible player featured for Sheriff YC last Friday night when the non-league club beat Shelbourne to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup.

The association said that representatives of the Dublin club, which has since been drawn to play Limerick in the next round, have been called to a meeting at Abbotstown on Friday when the situation will be discussed.

If the club is found to have fielded an illegal player Shelbourne could be reinstated.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Madden, Hawkins, McHugh, N Murphy; Ward, Bolger, Bennett, Gaynor (Griffin 60); Byrne (Breen 83), Quigley.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Duggan; Gaul, McNally, Rogers, Hand; OBrien, Lynch, Gannon, Brennan; Mulvenna, Corcoran (White 60).