The game was only seven minutes old when Barrett’s initial flick didn’t work but he was quick to react and his second attempt set up Dessie Baker with a run on goal and Dessie didn’t disappoint to shoot low past Skinner for a fine goal.

The goal settled Rovers and on 10 minutes an O’Connor free-kick was brilliantly headed clear by Kenna under pressure from Sives. The Drogs were dangerous on the break and both Price and Sives made good clearances. Ex-Hoop Robbie Clarke then headed away Cahill’s cross before the visitors were dealt a major blow when Kenna saw red for taking down the lively Barrett as he bore down on goal.

Rovers had a chance to extend their lead after 27 minutes when O’Connor broke through the Drogs defence on the right but Skinner saved well with his feet. A Rice long throw-in was headed across goal by Price but the impressive Gibb cleared under pressure.

On 32 minutes a quick throw-in by Sullivan saw Baker and Barrett combine for Barrett to shoot but Skinner got down to save. A couple of minutes later some fine approach work by Drogheda ended when Gaynor fired over the bar. A Bradley cross to the back post saw O’Connor’s shot blocked.

As the game neared the break it was obvious that a second goal was needed to take control of the game and it duly arrived when Sives long ball was expertly headed by Baker into the path of Barrett and once again the finish was precise as he shot low past Skinner to record his first goal for the Hoops.

Drogheda upped their work rate in the second half and Crowley’s early shot went narrowly wide. Cahill went on a fine run but Gibb made the decisive tackle just outside the box. A good move in the 58^th minute saw Bradley feed Bermingham who found O’Connor and his cross was met by Rice to head just wide.

Skinner was forced to tip O’Connor’s cross over the bar on 71 minutes and the resultant fell to Robinson but his attempted volley was blocked. On 79 minutes Sullivan played Barrett in on goal and his lob from a tight angle beat Skinner but clipped the crossbar.

With four minutes remaining Bradley slipped a lovely through ball to Amond but Skinner advanced to save the shot. Bradley was involved again a minute later to find Barrett in the box but his first time effort was again save by the Drogs ‘keeper.

The third goal proved elusive for the Hoops as Referee McKeown blew the final whistle and another home win was recorded in what has been a remarkable season to date.