Drogheda United - 2 Derry City - 1: Premier Division new boys Drogheda United got their season off to a perfect start with a well-merited victory over Derry City yesterday evening.

A goal to the good early on, Drogheda were pegged back just before half-time thanks to a Derry penalty.

However, a second goal 20 minutes from the end sealed victory.

Following early Drogheda pressure, the home side were rewarded with 11 minutes on the clock when Derek Delany put Mark Dempsey away on the left.

Dempsey raced towards goal to fire a superb shot to the top corner of the Derry net. United almost went two up just six minutes later when another Delany right-wing cross was narrowly missed by the in-rushing Declan O'Brien.

Then Liam Coyle, with a free from just outside the Drogheda box, tested the goalkeeper.

With six minutes to go to halftime, the visitors got the break they were looking for when Ciarán Martyn went down in the box following a Danny O'Connor challenge.

Referee McKeon pointed straight to the spot and Liam Coyle duly obliged converting the penalty-kick.

Drogheda deservedly went back in front with a classic goal on 70 minutes. Mark Dempsey drove in a dangerous cross from the left which was only partially cleared by the Derry defence.

Seán Gallagher on the edge of the box coolly controlled the ball before cracking a fine strike to the net.

Drogheda saw out the final minutes with ease as Derry rarely threatened the home goal.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Rogers; Dunne, Kelly, Lynch, O'Connor, Tierney, Gallagher, Taylor, O'Brien, Delany, Dempsey. Subs: Cronin for M Dempsey (75 mins).

DERRY CITY: Gough; McCallion, Hargan, Kelly, McLaughlin, Martyn, Hutton, Deery, Coyle, Beckett, Friars. Subs: McCready for Hutton Hughes for Deery (78).

Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).