Derry City 2 Drogheda United 0
Derry City manager Peter Hutton recorded his maiden win on home soil following this deserved victory over a frustrated Drogheda at the Brandywell.
Having conceded seven goals in their Co Louth derby on Tuesday night at Dundalk, Drogheda did respond at the Brandywell but they failed to seriously trouble the home lot.
And with Derry’s longest serving player and former captain in the dugout, Hutton will have celebrated his side’s second goal in the 65th minute which basically ended this game as a contest.
The win sees Derry leapfrog Drogheda in the Premier Division table as Derry recorded their first win in seven league games.
Left-winger Michael Duffy put Derry into the driving seat in the 12th minute when he produced a superb volley to divert Barry McNamee’s deep cross into the Drogheda net at the back post.
But Drogheda did have their scoring chances, the best of which a first-half effort by Seán O’Connor from 30 yards which Ger Doherty superbly finger-tipped over his crossbar.
However, last year’s leading hitman Rory Patterson finally settled the nerves and put the game to bed in the 65th minute following a superb break on the right by Patrick McEleney.
The midfielder’s superb delivery was met by the hard-working striker who gleefully guided the ball home from 10 yards.
DERRY CITY: Doherty; S. McEleney, McBride, Barry, Jarvis; Ventre; P. McEleney (90), Molloy, McNamee, Duffy; Patterson. DROGHEDA UNITED: Ryan; Daly, McGuigan, McNally, Grimes; Holohan (O'Brien, h/t), Doyle; Walshe (Brady, 54), McGuigan,, O'Connor; O'Neill (Hughes, 79) Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).
