League Preview: Drogheda United vs. Sligo Rovers
Drogheda United
Relegation-threatened Drogheda United will host Sligo Rovers at Weavers Park on tonight, with kickoff set for 7:45 PM. The Boynesiders are determined to build on their recent form as they fight to climb the league table.
The last encounter between the two sides at Weavers Park saw Drogheda emerge victorious with a 3-1 win, courtesy of goals from Darragh Markey, Frantz Pierrot, and Aaron McNally. Kevin Doherty’s men will be hoping for a repeat performance to secure valuable points in their battle against relegation.
Drogheda United comes into this fixture full of confidence after an emphatic 9-0 victory over Wilton United in the FAI Cup third round. Douglas James-Taylor and Bridel Bosakani both bagged hat-tricks, with Ryan Brennan, Frantz Pierrot, and Andrew Quinn also adding to the scoreline. This win has set up a quarter-final clash against Athlone Town, but the focus remains firmly on the league for now.
In team news, Zishim Bawa is ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing ankle surgery. However, Aaron McNally could make a return to the squad after recovering from injury.
Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers will be eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 FAI Cup defeat to UCD last weekend. Manager John Russell has called on his side to show resilience and return to winning ways in the league, where they remain in a strong position.
“We saw last week that if you don’t show up and be at it from the start, then you will get turned over and that goes for any team in this league,” Russell said ahead of the trip to Drogheda. “Drogheda have already beaten us this year, so we know we cannot afford to be anything but fully focused and prepared for this game.”
Sligo Rovers will be boosted by the return of Connor Malley, who missed the cup defeat. However, Nando Pijnaker and Ollie Denham are doubts after picking up knocks, and winger Stephen Mallon will not travel due to an injury sustained during the week. John Mahon and Conor Reynolds remain sidelined and are not expected to feature.
Prediction
Drogheda United 2-1 Sligo Rovers
Team News
Drogheda United
• Injured: Zishim Bawa
• Doubtful: None
• Suspended: None
Sligo Rovers
• Injured: Stephen Mallon, Conor Reynolds, John Mahon
• Doubtful: Connor Malley, Nando Pijnaker, Ollie Denham
• Suspended: None
Referee: Robert Harvey