Drogheda United 0-1 Glentoran: Irish Premier League leaders Glentoran booked their place in the Setanta Cup final this evening after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Drogheda United at United Park.

Glentoran got off to the best possible start with the opening goal after just three minutes, though it came at the expense of Drogheda goalkeeper Jamie Ewings who was left to rue the most basic of errors.

Glentoran's Jason Hill had cut in from the left side and after beating his defender he peeled off a shot on his weaker foot only for Ewings to let the ball slip between his legs and into the net.

"That's not good for the nerves," said Glentoran manager Alan McDonald after the final whistle. "I can't ask any more of my players, they were fantastic tonight."

In the second period the writing was on the wall for the League of Ireland side as they should have levelled the match when they were gifted a penalty on 73 minutes.

Drogs captain Declan O'Brien looked set to take the penalty after Paul Leeman's clumsy challenge brought Paul Keegan down in the Glentoran box.

Leeman was sent off but it was hardly a red card offence.

In any case O'Brien left the spot kick to Republic of Ireland Under-21 Keegan who missed the opportunity to level when his effort rattled off the crossbar and away to safety.

Drogheda had been pressing for an equaliser for much of the second half but they were unable to break down McDonald's well organised side.

"We had our back to the wall but we defended with purpose when a lot of high balls were thrown in there in the last 15 minutes. On a down side I'm not happy with the officials tonight but that's all I'll say at the moment," added McDonald.
 
The sour note for the Belfast club came at the death when the winning goal scorer Hill was sent-off minutes before the final whistle as Glentoran finished with nine men.

They will now take now either Derry City or Cork City in the final.