James Akintunde proves the difference again as his early goal proves match-winner for Bohemians

Former Derry City player Akintunde has scored four goals for the Gypsies this season, but all have been match-winners, and his 15th minute strike was again the only difference between the teams, as Drogheda United deserved more.

Having been limp in the first half, Drogheda had a lot more bite in the second, with sub Frantz Pierrot a threat while fellow sub Killian Cailloce almost levelled late on, only for his shot to be cleared off the line as Drogheda lost their unbeaten run while Bohs are just two points off top spot.

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Drogheda have been dogged of late under Kevin Doherty and landed in Phibsboro with a four-game unbeaten run, and with a formation that had veteran Ryan Brrennan in a withdrawn role as a forward, this game was a night when a point would have been something to aim for.

It was a match where United had to soak up pressure and cope with it, but they were caught out on 15 minutes with the first chance and, indeed, the only attempt on goal in a dull first half.

Captain Jordan Flores, back in the side after suspension, sparked Bohs into life with a good ball from deep, right back Luke Matherson won his battle with his marker and Akintunde stole in between Jack Keaney and Oisin Gallagher to score from close range.

Bohs offered little after that, apart from a shot from Declan McDaid, which had power but not enough accuracy and was wide of the target. Drogheda were struggling to impose themselves on the game and had only one real chance, a free-kick from Darragh Markey that was flicked on by Gallagher, but the overhead kick in the box from Brennan was never going to trouble Kacper Chorazka in the Bohs goal.

The home side were the ones to make a half-time change, Cian Byrne on for Jevon Mills, but Drogheda did have more intent in their play in the second half, an early sign of their threat when a Conor Kane got into a good position and whipped in a cross which Chorazka had to come and collect.

The introduction of Haiti international Pierrot gave a focus to the Drogheda attack, non-existent up to that point, and he came up with their best effort, a shot from close range on 65 minutes saved by Chorazka.

Bohs almost got their second thanks to a defensive lapse as United defender Jack Keaney gifted the ball to sub Filip Piszczek, he won his battle in the box with Keaney and unleashed a shot which was saved by Jethren Barr.

United looked more likely to score as Drogheda sub Aaron McNally was making an impact while with six minutes left, Cailloce almost nicked an equaliser but saw his shot blocked off the line by Paddy Kirk with another good effort from the away side in added time, Pierrot's fierce drive saved by Chorazka.

It ended on a familiar note for Bohs, who, for the second time in five days, won 1-0 at home to a side from Co Louth. they now prepare for more of the same, a league game away to Dundalk next week before a derby clash at home to Shamrock Rovers.

BOHEMIANS: Chorazka; Matheson, Mills (Byrne 46), Keita, Kirk; Flores, J McManus (B McManus 76); Rooney, McDonnell (Clarke 87), McDaid (Connolly 67); Akintunde (Piszczek 67).

DROGHEDA: Barr; Heeney (Webster 83), Keaney, Cann, Kane (Cailloce 83); Deegan, Gallagher; Foley, Markey (O'Brien 65), Davis (McNally 60); Brennan (Pierrot 60).

REF: Gavin Colfer