Drogheda U 2 Derry C 0:DROGHEDA'S GOOD early season form continued with a deserved victory at Hunky Dory's Park.

Drogheda looked the side most likely to open the scoring and duly did on 21 minutes when Gavin Brennan produced a superb ball over the top of the visitor’s defence and Ryan Brennan took full advantage to shoot past goalkeeper Gerard Doherty.

Derry’s night took another turn for the worse with a quarter of an hour left when they were reduced to Barry Molloy was sent off.

With two minutes remaining Drogheda doubled their advantage.

Gavin Brennan’s cross found Brian Gannon at the back post and he volleyed past Doherty.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Sava, Quigley, Prendergast, McNally, Brennan R, Mulvenna (O’Brien 82), Brennan S (Breen 85), Brennan G, Grimes, Crowley, Gannon.

DERRY CITY: Doherty, McCaffrey, Molloy, Greacan, Higgins (Deery 74), McEleney (Morrison 74), Patterson, McBride (McEleney 25), McLaughlin, Madden, Farren.

Referee: Graham Kelly.