Lyons brace helps Drogheda to first win of the campaign

Drogheda United came out on top against UCD in a six-goal bonanza to power to a deserved first win of the season.

Every attendee inside Head In The Game Park on Friday evening availed of a free ticket as the home side gave up matchday ticket revenue for one night only in an effort to get more and more people engaged with Friday night League of Ireland football on Boyneside.

The 2,024 present were treated to half a dozen goals – four of them for their beloved Drogheda - and a first win of the season. For that kind of entertainment, many fans will return as paying customers.

Gary Deegan and Dean Williams added to Chris Lyons' brace, as Sam Todd and Liam Kerrigan’s goals for the Students counted for little by the end.

Ex-UCD defender Evan Weir has claimed Drogheda’s only goal of the season to date prior to tonight, while Andy Meyler’s side had yet to find the net themselves, but arrived with creditable back-to-back draws against Finn Harps and Sligo Rovers.

Deegan hadn’t scored in 34 appearances for Drogheda, but his goal was a memorable one.

United worked the ball down the right and Williams’ pull back was cleared only as far as the veteran midfielder, who swept a brilliant finish into the side-netting.

Four minutes later, he turned provider. Deegan’s pass was collected on the edge of the box by Lyons, who calmly turned Eric Yoro and blasted a stunning left-foot shot past Healy for his first of the season.

The striker almost repeated the trick when Dylan Duffy’s loose pass played him through on goal. This time however, his shot flew just over.

Shortly before the break, United had their third. It came down the right flank again as Poynton’s cross was met by Lyons at the back post and he helped it in with his chest.

UCD hardly looked