Drogheda take massive step towards survival with victory over Derry

LOI Premier Division Drogheda United 2 - 0 Derry City Drogheda United took a huge step towards survival with a win over FAI Cup finalists Derry City. Goals from Brandon Kavanagh and Mark Doyle, both due to defensive disasters from the Candystripes, earned Kevin Doherty's team a huge three points which lifts them away from Waterford in the relegation play-off spot with just three games remaining. Drogheda's need turned into early pressure and the opening goal after just seven minutes when Brandon Kavanagh's in-swinging corner deceived goalkeeper Tom Norcott, who lost sight of the ball and it went straight into the net, the former Candystripe Kavanagh barely believing his luck as he celebrated. Regular Position Team P G W D L GD 1 Shamrock Rovers 65 34 19 8 7 +19 2 Bohemians 62 34 18 8 8 +19 3 St. Patrick's Athletic 59 33 17 8 8 +26 4 Shelbourne 46 34 11 13 10 +2 5 Derry City 41 33 9 14 10 +1 6 Galway United 41 33 10 11 12 -4 7 Dundalk 41 33 10 11 12 -5 8 Drogheda United 37 34 9 10 15 -13 9 Waterford 34 33 7 13 13 -11 10 Sligo Rovers 23 33 5 8 20 -34 That lead should have been wiped out quickly when Drogheda goalkeeper Fynn Talley's poor clearance was chased down by Ellis Chapman, who lifted his head to find Michael Duffy, but City's top scorer shot wildly over from a good position 12 yards from goal. It was a very decent response from Derry and after Talley saved Kevin Dos Santos, another huge chance came and went when the winger set up Tyler Smith, who stepped inside to open up a shot, but his effort was deflected over by a last-gasp challenge from Conor Kane. Drogheda were resilient in the second half and it paid off when they doubled their lead with just under 10 minutes remaining A poor pass from Jamie Stott was intercepted by Mark Doyle, who raced away before rounding Norcott to slide the ball into the empty net to make it 2-0.