Dundalk surrendered the points to neighbours Drogheda in a poor end-of-season game at Oriel Park last night. This was only Drogheda's second league win of the season, the other also against Dundalk, at United Park in January, and the result will give them some heart as they face first division football next season.

Drogheda took an early lead when Joe Gallen scored a good goal in 4 1/2 minutes when he volleyed to the net from an acute angle after a free kick taken by John Coady.

The Dundalk defence was badly at fault for the visitors' second goal in the 22nd minute. Noel Reid made his way into the home penalty area unchallenged to beat goalkeeper Steve Williams at his leisure.

And Drogheda might have had a couple more goals before half-time but for poor finishing.

Dundalk's only effort at scoring in the first period was a shot by Brian Byrne in the 37th minute which went wide. Dundalk improved in the second period but were denied their chances to get back into the game by a number of good saves by the Drogheda goalkeeper Gareth Byrne, notably two from David Hoey and Brian Byrne with about 10 minutes left to play.

Dundalk: Williams, Reddish, Crawley, Doohan, Brady, McQuilter, McNulty, Carlyle, Hoey, Campbell and Byrne. Sub: Ward for Carlyle (61 mins).

Drogheda United: Byrne, Hill, Murphy, Ramage, J Reid, Coady, Fox, O'Dowd, Gallen, N Reid and Kelly. Sub: de Kors for Kelly (57 min).

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).