Derry City survive Drogheda comeback to secure win

SSE Airtricity Premier Division

Derry City 2

Drogheda Utd 1

Pat Hoban opened his account on his Derry City debut with a typical striker's goal to secure victory over a stubborn Drogheda United at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

As the scoreline suggests, Derry did not get it easy against Kevin Doherty's charges, Drogheda having battled their way back after falling two goals in arrears.

The absence of Derry skipper, Patrick McEleney, on the team-sheet raised a few eyebrows before the kick-off, the midfielder understood to have sustained a minor knock in training.

Drogheda, considered Derry's bogey team over past seasons, opened with no fewer than five players making their debuts.

The home lot may have dominated the ball throughout the first half but the 'Candystripes' failed to seriously trouble Drogheda keeper, Andrew Wogan, their three man defence producing a determined performance.

The home side were presented with a decent chance after 10 minutes following the first of ten first half corners, but Mark Connolly's downward header failed to hit the target.

Five minutes later Derry defender Ronan Boyce, did well to deny Zishim Bawa, with a superb last ditch tackle.

Derry winger, Michael Duffy attempted to play the ball into the path of home debutante, Pat Hoban after Will Patching had sent him clear but the ball failed to reach the striker.

Drogheda fashioned another glorious chance in the 25th minute when Bawa found himself in a one-on-one situation with Maher but the keeper did well to claim the ball as the striker attempted to lob him.

Connolly's header skimmed the Drogheda crossbar in the 35th minute following yet another corner as the home side continued to force the issue.

But all that changed following the