DROGHEDA have it in them to pull off a meaty result against any side so Bohemians will appreciate the value of this win.
Especially so considering they only forced one save of note from goalkeeper Colin McCabe - in the build-up to Paddy Kirk’s first-half winner.
His opposite number, James Talbot, had more to contend with across this contest, not that he was ever outside of his comfort zone.
But McCabe’s contribution deep in injury-time is one he will want to forget in a hurry having gifted Declan McDaid the visitor's second.
His fresh air hack on a through ball allowed the substitute to slot home from a tight angle having stayed alert.
Bohs were no great shakes, but they didn’t have to be as Drogheda huffed and puffed in spells without looking overly convincing.
Declan Devine will still chalk this down as a solid night’s work, having seen Bohs extend their lead at the top to five points from four.
He is refusing to entertain talk of a title charge for a club finding its feet again after a difficult time last season.
Just 11 games in, you can understand his hesitancy but his high flyers will need to pack more punch than this if they are to hang tough as the months go by.
Kirk’s opener had come against the run of play after a purposeful Drogheda start with Talbot denying Freddie Draper with a brilliant save.
And moments later, Ryan Brennan had Talbot on his toes again but the ‘keeper was always on top of the midfielder’s header in a crowded box.
But if Drogheda thought they were onto a good thing, they were hit with a sobering slap across the chops as Kirk fired the league leaders ahead after 17 minutes.
James Clarke, rewarded with a start after an impressive cameo against St Pat’s, unleashed a shot at Colin McCabe which the Drogs keeper parried.
Left-back Kirk pounced and cut inside Grimes. Elicha Ahui could have closed down the Bohs man quicker but, by the time he got close, the ball was already in the net.
Drogheda finally got their act together after the hour mark and Darragh Markey showed great control on the edge of the area to tee up Brennan but he skied his shot.
And when Dayle Rooney was set free down the left, his excellent, fizzing cross was crying out to be turned home but none of Draper, Grimes and Brennan could connect.
The hosts just lacked a clinical edge and while they may feel aggrieved not to have snatched a point - before that McDaid goal - they can have few complaints.
Opportunities presented themselves but they couldn’t capitalise and didn’t look after the ball well enough in other areas of the pitch.
McDaid’s late clincher - after McCabe’s howler - served as a costly reminder but for now the Gypsies march on having bounced back from last week's defeat to St Pat’s.
DROGHEDA UNITED: McCabe 6; Ahui 6 (Leddy 79, 5), Adegboyega 6, Keeley 7, Jones 6 (Heaney 77, 5); Deegan 7; Grimes 6 (McNally 73, 6), Markey 7 (Topcu 79, 5), Brennan 7, Rooney 7; Draper 6.
BOHEMIANS: Talbot 8; Horton 6, Nowak 7, Radkowski 7, Kirk 7; Buckley 6; McDonnell 7; Connolly 6 (McDaid 79, 6), Clarke 6 (Twardek 66, 6), O’Sullivan 6 (McManus 73, 5); Afolabi 6 (Williams 73, 6).
Referee: S Grant
