Ten men City sunk

The display also led to boss Declan Devine apologising to the travelling Candy Stripes supporters for the poor performance.

The Brandywell men, like so many games this season failed to really get to grips with the game in the first half, didn't force United keeper Gabriel Sava to make a single save throughout the 90 minutes, while at the other end the Brennan brothers Ryan, Sean and Gavin tormented the City back-line all night.

To make matters worse influential midfielder Barry Molloy was sent-off in the closing stages for a second bookable offence.

United took the lead on 21 minutes in super fashion when Ryan Brennan blasted home from 12 yards after he latched onto a clever pass from his brother Gavin.

Having been booked in the first half Molloy was shown his second yellow card followed by a red on 75 minutes, after he impeded Ryan Brennan.

City's only real chance of the match came on 87 minutes when substitute Owen Morrison played in Mark Farren down the left and his centre found Rory Patterson at the near post, but the striker fired wide from close range.

Virtually straight away Mick Cooke's side wrapped up the points when Gavin Brennan's teasing left wing centre found an unmarked Brian Gannon who calmly slid the ball home past City keeper Gerard Doherty.

Drogheda United: Sava, Quigley, Prendergast, McNally, R Brennan, Mulvenna, S Brennan, G Brennan, Grimes, Crowley, Gannon. Subs: O'Brien for Mulvenna (82); Brenn for S Brennan (85).

Derry City: Doherty, Madden, McBride, Greacen, McCaffrey; P McEleney, Higgins, Molloy, McLaughlin; Patterson, Farren. Subs: S McEleney for McBride (23); Deery & Morrison for Higgins & P McEleney (74).

Referee: Mr Graham Kelly (Cork).