Drogheda hold on to advance to third round

Drogheda United 3 Dundalk 2

Drogheda survived a late Dundalk fight back to book their spot in the third round of the FAI Carlsberg Cup in this United Park thriller.

John Lester was spot on as Drogheda scored twice from penalties inside six minutes late in the first half.

Andy Noonan fouled Drogheda striker Declan O’Brien for the first penalty on 37 minutes and midfielder Lester fired past Chris Bennion.

A needless challenge by Stephen McGuinness on Andy Myler brought the second penalty which Lester also duly converted.

O’Brien added Drogheda’s third goal on 73 minutes before Simon Kelly began Dundalk’s revival with a stunning goal back on 80 minutes.

Noonan scrambled home a second for Dundalk four minutes from time but Drogheda held on.