Drogheda United made light work of Longford Town as they extended their unbeaten run to six games and closed the gap on the top three in the Premier Division.
First half goals from Ronan Murray and Mark Doyle, his sixth of the season, plus a late brace from Jordan Adeyemo secured the three points for Tim Clancy's team but their fourth straight win was a hard-fought one. Aaron Dobbs goal brought the away side back into the contest early in the second half.
Drogheda are the division's highest scorers which is no small feat for a newly promoted side. Strikers Chris Lyons and Doyle are among the top scorers in the league while Dane Massey has hit a purple patch of late.
But it was Murray who handed Drogheda a deserved lead with his first goal for the club. The midfielder fooled the Longford defence into expecting a delivery from a free-kick on the left. Instead, he curled a brilliant effort into the top corner, leaving Lee Steacy flailing.
The Drogs made it two just before half time. They were fully deserving of their lead when Mark Doyle took James Brown's cross in his stride, spinning his marker before finding the net with a low effort that bobbled in.
Longford responded positively when play resumed after the break. They offered a non-existent threat in the first half but looked dangerous. They were rewarded when Dobbs managed to tap in from close range.
The visitors were improved but still found it tough to carve out clear opportunities for an equaliser. Former Drogheda striker Rob Manley was introduced and he provided a couple of scares without ever testing the goal.
Brown was alert to block Dylan Grimes' goalbound shot late on but United had the last word. Substitute Jordan Adeyemo cut inside and fired past Steacy and then scored again in injury time.
.jpg?w=600)
