A Darren McCaul volley in the 78th minute completed a great second half comeback for 10-man Derry City in United Park yesterday.
After Sean Hargan was shown a second yellow card for a foul on John Powell, Drogheda struck from the resulting free kick.
Derek Thornton's effort from the edge of the box was deflected onto the crossbar but Fergal Colman followed in to head home.
The goal was against the run of play as Derry enjoyed most of the play. However, they were duly rewarded in the 53rd minute when a Paddy McLoughlin cross was headed home by Eamon Doherty.
With a man extra the home-side had chances but again poor marking was their downfall as Andy Moran's free kick was smashed home by McCaul.
Goalscorer Coleman could have equalised in the last minute but shot wide from a tight angle.
Drogheda United: G Byrne, A Murphy, G Boyle, D Thornton, D Maher, F Coleman, M Beggs, C Murphy, J Powel, G O'Dowd, M Byrne. Subs: M Revins for Powel (80 mins).
Derry City: D Platt, E McCallion, S Hargan, P Hutton, D Kelly, E Doherty, P Moran, A Moran, P McLaughlin, D McCaul, D Beckett, J McIvor. Subs: D McCready for McIvor (52 mins); S Gallagher for McCaul (92 mins).
Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).
