Derry City took three points in the league for the first time since they beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at Tallaght Stadium on August 4. A 2-0 victory for the Candystripes against Drogheda United at Maginn Park saw them move to within one point of Shamro
Derry City took three points in the league for the first time since they beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at Tallaght Stadium on August 4.
A 2-0 victory for the Candystripes against Drogheda United at Maginn Park saw them move to within one point of Shamrock Rovers in third place and four points clear of Bray Wanderers in fifth.
Cork City's 1-0 win against Limerick at Turners Cross earlier in the evening in the FAI Cup semi-final meant fourth spot in the Premier Division looks more likely to guarantee a European spot for next season, with Shamrock Rovers unlikely to slip down to fourth. The Drogs hadn't won a league game in 161 days before tonight's fixture and they found themselves behind after three minutes.
Conor McDermott read the intentions of Conor Kane and once the full-back intercepted the ball he rounded Stephen McGunniess and gave Derry City the lead. Drogheda's effort couldn't go without a mention, but their lack of quality was clearly visible, and they paid the ultimate price again after 14 minutes.
Ronan Curtis was found by McDermott after some slick counter-attacking football by Kenny Shiels' side and the Foylesiders were in cruise control going into half-time. The second half didn't offer much going forward, but Drogheda effort nearly offered them a route back into the fixture on a number of occasions.
When the County Louth side did manage to pull a goal back through Mark Doyle in injury time it was all too late as John McLoughlin blew the final whistle after the restart to condemn Drogheda to First Division football next season.
