Bohemians gained revenge for their League Cup defeat at United Park eight days ago with two late goals rewarding a workmanlike performance. The visitors took the lead after 72 minutes when a Derek Swan shot was only palmed by Drogheda keeper, Gareth Byrne, into the path of Tony O'Connor who made no mistake from close range.

Twelve minutes later Bohemians made sure of the points with a well struck shot from substitute Paul Byrne although Drogheda keeper Gareth Byrne must shoulder the blame, having failed hopelessly to deal with a Mark Dempsey cross from the left.

But the visitors' victory turned sour when fullback Robbie Brunton was sent off for a second bookable offence three minutes into stoppage time.;

Overall it was a pretty evenly balanced affair although Drogheda had their chances.

The home side were unlucky not to take the lead after 42 minutes when a Fergal Coleman header off a Derek Thornton corner was cleared off the line by Mark Dempsey. Then substitute Gerry Boyle fluffed a gilt edged chance to break the deadlock when just six yards out just after the hour. It was to prove a rather expensive miss.

Drogheda: G Byrne, A Murphy, Maher, Impey, Thornton, M Byrne, Butler, C Murphy, Revins, O'Dowd, Coleman. Subs: Roche for O'Dowd (39 mins), Boyle for Coleman (63 mins), Fizelle for Mark Byrne (72 mins).

Bohemians: Michael Dempsey, O'Connor, Brunton, Hunt, Maher, Mullen, Crowe, Caffrey, Swan, Harris, Mark Dempsey. Subs: Byrne for Crowe (56 mins), Lawlor for Harris (63 mins).

Referee: Pat Whelan (Dublin).