Drogheda Utd - 1 UCD - 2: UCD came from behind to stun high-flying Drogheda with a late winner as the home side slumped to their second successive league defeat at United Park.

After a scoreless opening half Drogheda took the lead early in the second period. However, their advantage only lasted briefly as the students levelled within minutes.

With time virtually up, the visitors, who were on the back foot for the most part, grabbed a winner when Tony McDonnell rose to head home Robert Martin's corner.

Just eight minutes into the second half the home side went ahead. Jermaine Sandvliet laid the ball off to Simon Webb, who delivered a superb cross from the left into the UCD box, where Mick O'Donnell could only head the ball into the path of Gavin Whelan, who made no mistake from six yards.

Drogheda's lead lasted just five minutes when they conceded a needless free some 30 yards from goal. Gary Dicker's kick took a wild deflection off the wall, leaving goalkeeper Dan Connor stranded as the ball nestled in the top corner of the net.

Drogheda took the game to their opponents for the remainder of the match but, despite the lion's share of possession, they created very few clear-cut openings.

Indeed it was UCD's Pat McWalter who shaved the home side's post with a long-range effort on 74 minutes.

When it appeared the match would end in stalemate UCD struck for that unlikely winning goal.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor, Tyrrell, Webb, Gray, Bradley, Gartland (Malcolm 72), Robinson (Whelan 37), Ristila, Rooney, Freeman, Sandvliet.

UCD: Quigley, Kenna, O'Donnell, Shortall, McNally, McDonnell, Hurley (Kierans 57), Dicker, Martin, Dupuy (Sammon 75), McWalter.

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).