Manchester City emerged victorious over Drogehda last night, in a pre-season friendly at United Park. The only goal came from Shaun Wright Phillips, the adopted son of former Gunner, Ian Wright.

Yet Drogheda can take credit for keeping City at bay and holding them off for most of the game, as they put in a good performance.

Though the goal came in the second half, the opening 45 minutes had its moments. Within the first 10 minutes, Irish international Mark Kennedy delivered a free kick that found its way to Robert Taylor. He sent the ball past Drogheda keeper Gareth Byrne, but because of pushing in the penalty area the goal was disallowed.

But Drogheda pressed on and had one of the best chances of the half when Michael McCann's excellent volley narrowly missed out on levelling things, producing a great save by Nickey Weaver.

The second half saw some changes to City's side, with the inclusions of Jeff Whitley, Ian Bishop and Jamie Pollack. This injected some extra urgency, but Damien Maher and Dara McGuire in the Drogheda defence managed to keep City on hold.

In the 56th minute Wright Phillips made his appearance as a sub - and his presence was soon felt when he fired in the only goal of the game.

Receiving a cross from the right, he made ground. Reaching the penalty area, he sent the ball sailing over Byrne's head with a well-executed chip. It was a confident and classy goal that echoed the skill of his father.

Mark Kennedy may have missed out on the goal scoring in the game, but his overall play and pace in the game won him the man of the match award.

Elsewhere, Halifax Town dominated in their pre-season friendly game against newly promoted Longford Town, easily winning with a comfortable 3-0 finish. The goals came from Mark Bradshaw, James Stansfield and Gary Jones.