Drogheda United 1 Dungannon Swifts 0: A Mark Leech strike just before half-time proved enough to see FAI Cup holders Drogheda open their first Setanta Cup campaign with a win. The home side playing their first competitive match in over two months were well worth their victory as they created the greater number of goal opportunities over the 90 minutes.

Following a disappointing opening 15 minutes, the match suddenly came alive with chances at either end. With 22 minutes gone Keith Fahey's free on the right was headed out by the Dungannon defence to Stephen Gray who drove the ball back into the box, but Declan O'Brien just failed to get a touch which would have turned it home. Fahey broke twice in quick succession but on each occasion drove his shot narrowly wide.

Minutes later Drogheda were denied when Declan O'Brien's header was headed from the line by Shane McCabe.

Ten minutes from half-time the visitors were almost gifted a goal when a Damien Lynch back pass crept under keeper Dan Connors foot. However, the keeper got back to stop the ball on the line. As the half came to an end United threatened again as Gavin Whelan's cushioned header was turned out by Swift's keeper Gavin Cushley for Mark Leech to bundle the ball wide. Moments later Drogheda got the breakthrough they deserved when O'Brien set up Leech who drove home despite Cushley getting a hand to the ball.

Twenty minutes elapsed in the second half before an opportunity arrived and it fell to the homeside when Declan O'Brien raced clear but he was dispossessed on the edge of the box by Gary Fitzpatrick. With 67 minutes gone Cushley saved Dungannon once more when he pushed Shane Robinson's stinging drive out to Stephen Bradley who drove over the bar.

Drogheda should have made certain eight minutes from time when Bradley knocked the ball out to Robinson on the right who crossed for substitute Sami Ristila who saw his shot saved by Cushley. United won a free 25 yards from goal a minute later which Keith Fahey curled narrowly wide. Late on Dungannon almost forced an equaliser when Timothy Adamsons shot was scrambled to safety by the home defence.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor, Lynch, Webbe, Gray, Gavin, Robinson, O'Brien, Fahey, Bradley, Wheelan, Leech (Ristila 65).

DUNGANNON SWIFTS: Cushley, Murphy (Scullion 65), Wray, Gallagher, Montgomery, Fitzpatrick, McCrystal (Everaldo 68), McAree, McCabe, Adamson, Ward (Bulow 85).

Referee: Anthony Buttimer (Cork)