Drogheda lose by single goal in tight encounter

IK Start 1 Drogheda United 0

Fredrik Stromstad’s 67th-minute goal in Kristiansand gave IK Start a vital first leg victory over eircom League Premier Division side Drogheda in their UEFA Cup second qualifying round first leg tie.

Former Liverpool defender Stig Inge Bjornebye’s side were toiling when the midfielder calmly scored from 18 yards.

The goal was created by defender Kristoffer Paulsen, who raced to the byline and delivered a low cross that Stromstad met with his right foot.

The Norwegian league runners-up had enjoyed the bulk of the play, but created few chances as Drogheda’s five-man midfield crowded the home side out.

Paulsen headed narrowly wide and Todi Jonsson shot just past Dan Connor’s post in the first half but the visitors coped well with the home side’s best efforts.

FAI Cup holders Drogheda settled well after a nervous opening with midfielders Paul Keegan and Shane Barrett going close to scoring before the interval with long-range efforts.

They almost snatched a goal in the 55th minute when Simon Webb’s low drive was deflected narrowly wide.

Late on, substitute Tony Grant almost grabbed a vital equaliser but he headed wide.

Drogheda defender Brian Shelley will miss the second leg at Dublin’s Dalymount Park on August 24 after picking up his second yellow card of the campaign for time-wasting.