Drogheda Utd 0 - 0 Dundalk (Drogheda win 4-3 on pens)

Drogheda United retained the Jim Malone trophy, claiming their first and possibly only piece of silverware this season, as they beat local rivals Dundalk in a penalty shoot-out at United Park.

This annual friendly was made more significant by the fact that that it will be the first of many encounters between the sides in this year's league campaign.

A double sending off in the first half did little to lower the intensity in this game as neither side let up, and surprisingly only one other card was issued in the game.

Drogheda midfielder Gavin Whelan saw red on 40 minutes for a rash tackle on Michael Collins, but the Dundalk player was also sent off as he was adjudged to have been just as rash, but the general opinion was that his punishment was too harsh.

However, the player did have to be restrained from confronting the referee and Dundalk manager Sean Connors made his way on to the pitch to face the officials and question their decision.

The presence of former Drogheda players in the Dundalk squad led to much hostility from the Drogheda fans, and none more so than Declan O’Brien, who was the recipient of much abuse, with a mock jersey with the words Judas and 9 (O’Briens squad number with Drogheda) being displayed by the home support.

The visitors dominated the opening exchanges as they pressed Drogheda back in their own half, but it was the home side who were offered the first chance on goal, as Robbie Martin was gifted the ball due to a Dundalk mix up and the midfielder's mazy run set John Paul Kelly free but he was adjudged to be just offside.

Minutes later former Dundalk keeper Steve Williams denied striker Darren Mansaram from claiming the opener as the Englishman’s attempted nutmeg was just blocked by the sprawling keeper and the retreating Alan McNally was able to clear the danger.

Playing a 4-5-1 formation limited Drogheda's attacking options, however, the home side looked more than dangerous on a quick break, but Dundalk were closing them down and not giving their opponents any time or space on the ball.

The sending-off of Collins and the loss of Mansaram due to injury somewhat blunted The Lilywhites attack and James Chambers almost put the Boynesiders ahead on one such counter attack but his shot curled agonisingly close but just outside the far post.

Chambers came close again minutes later when he was played through and his shot forced Bennion into a diving save whereby the ball rebounded for a Dundalk defender to clear.

The introduction of Paul Smith at half time revitalised their attack as the nippy midfielder made several runs creating space and chances.

Dundalk were unfortunate not to score when Williams committed himself and Chris Turner's shot was blocked but squirmed past the keeper only to be cleared off the line by Robert Clarke.

And the visiting side should feel more aggrieved as twice substitute David Ward saw shots cleared off the line. The left winger caused United all sorts of problems as on both occasions he managed to ghost into the box unmarked.

His first attempt was a headed effort after a brilliant cross that had the defence beaten but the shot was just off target and his second effort - again ghosting in - he lobbed Williams and it took two defenders to hack the ball clear.

After the stalemate penalties were needed to decide the destination of the Jim Malone Cup and after misses from Declan O’Brien and Josh Maguire, Drogheda secured victory with a scoreline of 4-3.

Drogheda United: Steven Williams; Robbie Clarke, Conor Kenna, Alan McNally, Gavin Whelan; Paul Shiels, John P Kelly, Paul Crowley, Robbie Martin, James Chambers; Mick Chambers.

Dundalk: Chris Bennion; Shaun Kelly, Dave Rogers, Michael Collins, Liam Burns; Thomas Heary, Michael McKerr, Chris Turner, Harpal Singh; Darren Mansaram, Declan O’Brien.