National League: The scoreline does little to reflect Drogheda United's dominance at O2Park last night.

They took the initiative from the start and deserved their lead on 12 minutes, when Mark Quinless raced clear on the right and squared for Declan O'Brien to score from six yards.

They could have extended their advantage six minutes later when Andy Myler fed O'Brien, but visiting 'keeper Pat Jennings dived at his feet to save bravely.

The chances continued to fall to the home side and, after 30 minutes, O'Brien grazed the UCD bar from Danny O'Connor's knock-down.

Just before the break, Gary Cronin's cross found O'Brien, who headed inches wide from close range.

Right on half time, UCD almost equalised against the run of play, but Robert Martin's header was just off target.

Drogheda made it 2-0 11 minutes into the second half when Cronin won a corner out on the right and swung the ball into the box for Bunce to side-foot home on the volley from close range.

They went close to scoring a third when O'Brien turned provider for Cronin, who should have hit the target from 12 yards.

UCD almost replied with 12 minutes remaining when Tony McDonnell rattled the Drogheda bar with a powerful header.

DROGHEDA: Rogers, Bunce, Gray (Kealy 10 mins), Lynch, Tierney, Quinless (Jones 77), O'Connor, Beasley (Gollogley), O'Brien, Myler, Cronin.

UCD: Jennings, Sullivan, Ryan, McAuley, Donnelly (Finn, 53), McNally (Whelan, 63), Martin, J McDonnell, Gallen, Martin, R Davey.

Referee: Declan Hanney (Dublin).