UCD moved into the top half of the Premier Division table when first half goals from Peter Hanrahan, John Martin, and Brian Mooney gave them a convincing victory over outclassed Drogheda United at Belfield Park last night.

The students, now with just one defeat in their last seven games might have taken the lead after 10 minutes. But Hanrahan's header rebounded off the upright.

But UCD made no mistake on 18 minutes after the Drogheda defence failed to clear an Eoin Bennis cross from the right. Ciaran Martyn miscued in front of goal. However Hanrahan made no mistake from close range for his fourth goal in three games.

And it was Hanrahan who was instrumental in setting up their second goal five minutes before the interval when he threaded a clever ball to Bennis. A deft flick from the striker allowed Martyn time to pick to score from 14 yards.

The rout continued with UCD stretching their lead on 42 minutes through a Mooney header. The introduction of substitutes Michael McCann, Colm Foley and Gary Cronin failed to inspire a listless Drogheda.

UCD: Ryan; McLoughlin, Delaney, Lynch, Mahon; Mooney, Kavanagh, Martyn, Martin; Bennis, Hanrahan. Subs: Fitzpatrick for Hanrahan (73 mins), McAuley for Martin (84 mins), Kilmurray for Bennis (86 mins).

Drogheda United: G Byrne; A Murphy, McDonald, Maher, Boyle; C Murphy, McNulty, Wallace, M Byrne, Roberts, Coleman Subs: Cronin, Foley and McCann for McNulty, M Byrne, and Coleman (all 45 mins).

Referee: T Tully (Cork).