Drogheda maintain unbeaten run as UCD feel aggrieved

A controversial Chris Lyons penalty and a fine late second goal from Evan Weir stretched Drogheda United's unbeaten run to five games with their third win of the season.

Livid at the concession of the spot kick, having felt they might have had one themselves minutes earlier, UCD remain without a win and three points adrift at the foot of the table.

College were dealt a blow in the build up to the game with inspirational skipper Jack Keaney ruled out for a number of weeks having broken a bone in his left hand.

Sam Todd wore the armband while Sean Brennan came into midfield in the Students' only change from their 2-2 draw at Sligo Rovers last week.

With Weir returning to the left-back berth in place of Keith Cowan in their only change from their home draw with Bohemians last time out, Drogheda began the brighter.

Despite enjoying a good deal of the ball, though, the visitors struggled in the final third before it was UCD who carved the first opening of a scrappy start on 19 minutes.

Donal Higgins threaded a precise ball through for the run of Evan Caffrey who took a heavy touch as the ball ran wide when he might have done better.

It was the 24th minute before Drogheda tested Lorcan Healy in the UCD goal, Dayle Rooney’s shot from distance tipped round a post by the home keeper.

With UCD dangerous on the counter, Drogheda survived a couple of let-offs just before the half hour when drives from Dylan Duffy and Caffrey in turn were deflected out for corners.

Rooney’s inventiveness was proving to be Drogheda’s chief threat and the winger came close again on 32 minutes.

Chris Lyons and Georgie Poynton worked the opening, the latter’s pullback picking out Rooney in the area whose improvised back-heel flashed wide.

Rooney then galloped clear