First half goals from Mark Doyle and Darragh Markey and a 79th minute goal from Daniel O’Reilly did enough to give the home side a 3-1 win over Finn Harps at Head in the Game Park.

Finn Harps drew first blood in the 8th minute following great build up play from Tunde Owolabi, Barry McNamee got the ball and dummied outside the Drogheda defence passing to Will Seymore outside the area who fired a low shot into the Drogheda net, his first goal for Harps.

Drogheda managed to equalise minutes later but not without plenty of drama surrounding Doyle’s opener. Harps had put the ball out of play for Barry McNamee to receive treatment after pulling up in the Drogheda attack, a heavy pass back sent out for a corner by McGinley as the keeper failed to catch the ball, from the resulting corner kick Mary Doyle beat his man and rose highest to head home.

The opening half was a tight and cagey affair but Drogheda eventually reaped the rewards of putting pressure on the Harps defence 4 minutes from the break, Darragh Markey breaking through the area and sending a low shot at Mark McGinleys legs flat footing the keeper in the process and putting his side in the lead.

Both sides had early opportunities to find the net in the opening minutes of the second half, Owolabi breaking into the box and beating two defenders in the process but the ball was taken from his feet before being given the chance to shoot.

Moments later Darragh Markey managed to get into the Harps area and played in Mark Doyle but a Harps defender managed to get back and block out any danger. 

Just as Finn Harps looked to be on top after having another shot saved by Odumosu, Drogheda would find the net for the third and final time, a free kick just outside the Harps area on the right, the ball laid off short to Daniel O'Reilly who’s goal bound effort struck the wall deflecting off Kosovar Sadiki and beating Mark McGinley at his near post.