Drogheda take narrow win

St Patrick's Athletic 0 Drogheda Utd 1

Bohemians were the team celebrating at Richmond Park tonight when an early second-half goal by substitute Paul Keegan gave last year's champions Drogheda United the narrowest of victories over St Patrick's Athletic.

The result means Pat Fenlon's men are now seven points clear at the top of the Premier Division table with a match in hand over closest challengers St Pat's as the teams enter the final third of the season.

Paul Doolin's side grabbed the lead on 48 minutes after a foul by Damien Lynch on Kudisovic.

The resulting free by Keegan on the left was whipped into a crowded penalty area and although 'keeper Barry Ryan got his fintertips to the ball, he could not prevent it billowing the net.

The Inchicore men went close to an equaliser on 68 minutes when Keith Fahey set up another chance for Mark Quigley only to see his effort half-blocked by Stuart Byrne with 'keeper Ewings able to gather the ball.

Then a quality free from Jamie Fahey on the right was agonisingly headed over by defender Stephen Paisley from three yards just when it seemed the Drogheda defence would at last be breached.