Dundalk edge Drogs

JONNY BREEN’S fifth minute strike ensured Dundalk ended a disappointing season with at least the local bragging rights after victory over Drogheda Utd at Oriel Park.

They took the lead on five minutes when Breen beat the offside trap to Quigley’s pass before chipping Stephen Trimble with a classy finish.

Chances were few and far between with Drogheda having penalty appeals turned down on 37 minutes when Daniel Corcoran’s strike appeared to strike the hand of a home defender.

A minute before the break the Lilywhites thought they had doubled their advantage when Breen raced onto Stephen McDonnell’s through ball before lifting the ball over Trimble —but his effort went inches over the crossbar.

The second half was a low-key affair with Keith Ward squandering Dundalk’s best chance just after the hour mark.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Madden, Hawkins, C Byrne, McHugh; McDonnell (J Byrne, 62 mins), Bennett, Bolger, Ward, Quigley, Breen (N Murphy, 85 mins).

DROGHEDA UTD: Trimble; Gaul (O’Keefe, 71 mins), McNally, Rogers, Hand; Gannon (O’Brien, half-time), Quigley, Lynch, Brennan; Corcoran (White, 80 mins), Mulvenna.

Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).