Drogheda United - 0 Shamrock Rovers - 2:FAI Premier Division: Shamrock Rovers have goalkeeper Barry Ryan to thank for their late, late victory over an unlucky Drogheda United side at 0₂ Park last night. Ryan made a string of fine saves early in the second half before two goals in the final 10 minutes secured victory for Rovers.

Rovers' Stephen Grant went close with a free early on and Stephen McGuinness hit the side-netting before Drogheda took the lead with eight minutes gone. From a Gary Rogers kick-out Declan O'Brien and Gary Palmer challenged for the ball in the Rovers box. Ryan raced from his line to collide with the pair for the ball to roll free to Andy Myler, who netted from 12 yards.

Drogheda should have made it two when with 26 minutes played O'Brien raced in on goal but fired poorly wide. They created another chance near half-time when Myler headed narrowly wide. The closing minutes of the half saw Rovers come into the game when Palmer headed over and Glen Fitzpatrick saw his shot blocked on the line.

In the early stages of the second half Ryan was superb. With five minutes gone he denied Declan O'Brien with his feet and then tipped away a Myler close-range strike. Ryan was called into action moments later when again he denied O'Brien.

Rovers pushed for an equaliser. However, Drogheda weathered the storm and with a quarter of an hour remaining spurned another opportunity when Myler shot straight at Ryan. Rovers picked up the momentum in the closing stages and were rewarded with an equaliser with 10 minutes to go. Stephen Grant's corner raced through to Trevor Molloy, who fired home at the back post.

The winner arrived a minute from the end when Glen Fitzpatrick slotted the ball calmly under Rogers.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Rogers, O'Connor, Kelly, Lynch, Bunce, Tierney, Quinless, Beesley, O'Brien, Myler, Cronin. Subs: Jones and Delaney for Tierney and O'Brien (90 mins).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Ryan, Gough, Keddy, Colwell, McGuinness, Palmer, Robinson, Grant T, Fitzpatrick, Reynolds, Grant S. Subs: Byrne for McGuinness (half-time); Molloy for Robinson (65 mins).

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).