Drogheda United defeated Kerry FC 1-0 in Mounthawk Park tonight to advance to the Quarter Finals of the FAI Cup.

Kyle Robinson put the Premier Division side ahead after just seven minutes but it was the hosts who were the better side in the first half, but failed to get back on terms.

The second half continued to be an open entertaining game but despite a whole host of chances neither side found a goal, with the Premier Division side winning on the narrowest of margins. A strong performance for Kerry overall.

Drogheda now return to their target of staying in the Premier Division when they host Cork City in a huge tie in Weavers Park, whilst Kerry FC look to close out the year strongly, starting away at Treaty United on Friday night.

Kerry had chances of their own inside the first five minutes. Kevin Williams who moved out to a more familiar right back position for him which he played pre Kerry, put in a great cross inside the first 60 seconds which Gaxha scuffed. Moments later Sean McGrath shot over from the edge of the box, both failing to trouble the young Drogheda keeper.

Inside seven minutes though, Drogheda took the lead. Dayle Rooney picked up the ball on the left hand side and played a low cross into the box which striker Kyle Robinson was able to get on the end of and poke towards the bottom left corner. Despite Axworthy getting a hand to it he couldn’t prevent the Louth side taking an early lead.

The home side almost got back on terms minutes later when Leo Gaxha lined up an ambitious effort from all of 25 yards out, but with a swirling wind the ball moved in the air causing Wogan issues, with the away keeper only able to get a strong wrist to it to keep it out.

Coming up to the half hour mark, given the scoreline and quality of opposition it was surprising to see Kerry dominate possession and were the better of the two teams. Gary Deegan had a lot of work on his own in the centre of the park to stop Kerry coming through, but Sean McGrath coming inside allowed Ryan Kelliher to drop in and hold the ball up with Gaxha looking to get in down the Kerry left.

As the half went on,Kevin Doherty tweaked his system bringing Darragh Markey back to mark his opposite number, which stemmed some of the Kerry flow through the middle of the park. Despite a late push from Drogheda including a few set pieces, they held a narrow lead going in at the break.

The home side continued their positive play to open the second half, Gaxha coming close with an effort from the edge of the box but just before the half hour mark Drogheda almost doubled their lead.

Gary Deegan came within inches of doubling his side's advantage when he met a breaking ball at the edge of the box after a scrambled corner clearance, the Drogheda captain stuck sweetly off his right but was denied by the crossbar.

Kerry did push for an equaliser as the clocked ticked away from them, with both Kennedy Amechi and Daniel Okwute being brought in up top with Kelliher and Gaxha for a front four, but the Drogheda press was strong enough to prevent Kerry from playing out of the back and forced enough turnovers to keep life comfortable for the away side.

For Kerry it was a strong performance overall, lots to take for Billy Dennehy as he faces into the final quarter of the season for the Kingdom.

Drogheda keep their chances of a second FAI Cup victory alive with focus returning to Premier Division survival once more next week.