Drogheda 0 - 4 Rovers

Rovers got the season off to a flying start with a good win in United Park. After a frantic first period with half chances wasted by both sides, Rovers got it right in the second period to run out deserved winners. Debutant Shane Jackson got the first goal of the game on 62 mins from a Woods corner. This followed an earlier header just over by the same player and a miss in front of goal by Derek Treacy. Two minutes later another debutant, Shane Robinson, scored from close range after good work by Francis and a cross by Woods. Francis himself capped off a good performance with the third on 73 mins after yet another corner by Woods. Rovers superiority in the air at set pieces was underlined when Palmer headed home yet another Woods corner five minutes from time. Drogheda's woes continued with the dismissal of O'Keefe 3 mins from time for a foul on Robinson. Tony O'Dowd in the Rovers goal had a much quieter second half as Drogheda struggled to make an impression.