UCD AFC left Drogheda pointless on Friday night after a 1-0 defeat to Mick Cooke's side.
In front of a good crowd, The Students as usual played their passing game and started the half quite well. New signing new signing Dave McMillan smahed a 30 yard shot just past the post, but UCD found themselves 1-0 down after 21 minutes.
Mick Leahy did well to head away a dangerous cross but his header fell to Declan 'Fabio' O'Brien who had time to control and finish past Mark McGinley from inside the box.
Martin Russell's side responded and the impressive Paul Corry saw his effort brilliantly saved while Danny Ledwith's free kick went inches past the post.
Half time sub Chris Lyons and Robbie Benson both tested Sava as UCD went three at the back for the second period.
Drogheda were happy with their 1-0 advanage and kept ten men behind the ball for the majority of the second half, and UCD were unable to create any chances of note.
Drogheda remain second in the table while UCD are still bottom, but with 12 league games remaining, The Students will be confident their good performances can turn into results to help retain their Premier Division status for another season.
Drogheda United: Gabriel Sava; Conor McMahon, Alan McNally, Derek Prendergast, Philip Hand; Cathal Brady (Tiarnan Mulvenna, 68), Sean Brennan (Jason Marks, 65), Paul Crowley, Eric Foley ; Declan O’Brien, Peter Hynes (Alan Byrne, 55).
Subs not used: Michael Schlingermann, Stephen Quigley, Mark O’Brien, Johnny Breen.
Booked: A Byrne (70).
UCD: Mark McGinley; Hugh Douglas, David O’Connor, Michael Leahy, Daniel Ledwith; Samir Belhout, Paul Corry, Paul O’Conor (Barry McCabe, 70), Ciaran Nangle (Chris Lyons, 46); Robert Benson, David McMillan.
Subs not used: Niall Corbett, James Kavanagh, Tyrone McNelis, Thomas Boyle, Gary Burke.
Booked: Ledwith (59).
Referee: Tom Connolly.
Attendance: 955.
