Drogheda United 1; Derry City 1: Super sub Kevin Deery rescued a scarcely deserved point for second placed Derry City with an equaliser nine minutes from time at United Park last night.

Deery was only on the pitch two minutes when Barry Molloy flicked the ball into his path 20 yards from goal. His shot took a deflection off defender Steven Gray and wrong-footed goalkeeper Dan Connor as it flew to the net.

The home side went close to an opening goal as early as the second minute when Shane Robinson's cross from the right found Keith Fahey who flashed his header inches wide.

Derry then forced a corner at the other end which Killian Brennan swung over for Clive Delaney who forced the ball straight into the arms of Connor.

Drogheda deservedly took the lead on 13 minutes through Gavin Whelan. Paul Keegan found Stuart Malcolm on the edge of the box on the right. He pushed the ball to Declan O'Brien, who spotted Whelan racing through to his right and played the ball perfectly into his path and he drove to the net in style.

The visitors tested Connor before half-time when Barry Molloy drove through a crowded goalmouth but straight at the goalkeeper.

United should have killed the game off with a second goal in the early stages of the second half as O'Brien's shot flew wide and Malcolm lifted the ball over from close range.

Had the visitors stolen all three points it would have been a travesty for the home side but Derry almost won it right on full time as Gary Beckett forced Connor into a fine save.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor; Lynch, Webb, Gray, Gavin, Whelan, Robinson, Fahey , O'Brien, Malcolm, Keegan. Subs: Leech for Malcolm (84 mins); Gartland for Fahey (89 mins)

DERRY CITY Forde; D Brennan, Hutton, Delaney, Martyn, Beckett, K Brennan, McGlynn, Molloy, Farren, McCourt. Subs: O'Flynn for McGlynn (half-time); Murphy for Martyn (73 mins) Deery for D Brennan (79 mins)

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).