National League: Drogheda Utd 0 - Shamrock Rovers 1Stephen Grant was the hero for Shamrock Rovers when he headed home a Keith Doyle cross 13 minutes into the second half of an evenly contested encounter. This goal was the difference between the sides as Drogheda's goal famine continued.

Drogheda made all the running in the opening 20 minutes and were somewhat unfortunate not to go in front with a quarter of an hour gone when Declan O'Brien set up Andy Myler, who shot straight at Tony O'Dowd in the Rovers goal.

Rovers' first opportunity fell to Trevor Molloy with 21 minutes gone when his free from the edge of the box was well saved by goalkeeper Rogers.

With the half coming to an end Drogheda threatened once more when Stephen Gray curled a free wide and John Flanagan's shot was stopped by goalkeeper O'Dowd.

In the opening minute of the second half Rovers had a narrow escape when from an O'Brien free defender Terry Palmer headed the ball off his own bar. Rovers struck for the lead on 68 minutes when the alert Grant capitalised on terrible United defending.

The home side created several half chances after they fell behind. However, the Rovers' keeper dealt easily with the best Drogheda could conjure up.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Rogers, Gray, O'Connor, Lynch, Molloy, Scully, Quinless, Flanagan, O'Brien, Myler, Cronin. Subs: Connor for O'Brien (75).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: O'Dowd, Crolly, Doyle, Colwell, Palmer, Dean, Keddy, Grant T, Molloy, Boughanem, Grant S. Subs: Haylock for T Grant (65) and Robinson for S Grant (87).

Referee: Pat Whelan (Dublin).