Match Report: Sligo Rovers vs. Drogheda United
Sligo Rovers 2, Drogheda United 1
Sligo Rovers climbed to sixth place in the Premier Division standings following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Drogheda United at The Showgrounds. The Bit O’Red secured their second consecutive win, propelled by Connor Malley’s first-half brace.
Match Highlights
• First Half
• 18th Minute: Connor Malley opened the scoring after Stefan Radosavljevic’s free-kick, deflected onto the crossbar by Drogheda goalkeeper Andrew Wogan, rebounded perfectly for Malley to convert.
• 45th Minute: Malley struck again just before half-time, capitalizing on a well-placed free-kick from Keith Barlow to give Sligo a 2-0 lead.
• Second Half
• 46th Minute: Drogheda United responded quickly in the second half, with Jack Keaney scoring against his former club just 40 seconds in, making it 2-1 and setting up a tense conclusion to the match.
Despite Drogheda’s efforts, Sligo maintained their lead, with notable contributions from Malley and RB Leipzig loanee Fabrice Hartmann, who came close to extending the advantage.
Recent Form
• Sligo Rovers: The team has shown improved form recently, suffering only one defeat in their last five league matches.
• Drogheda United: Kevin Doherty’s side has been struggling, with five losses in their last seven games.
Key Moments
• 8th Minute: Drogheda’s Steve Bawa had two early chances, and Ryan Brennan missed the follow-up.
• 34th Minute: Bawa missed a crucial opportunity inside the box, which could have changed the game’s dynamics.
• 54th Minute: Sligo’s Hartmann had a clear chance but fired wide.
Team Line-ups
Drogheda United: A. Wogan, L. Heeney (K. Cailloce, 85), A. Quinn, J. Keaney, E. Weir, C. Kane (W. Davis, 60), M. O’Brien, O. Gallagher, S. Bawa, R. Brennan, F. Pierrot (A. Foley, 66).
Sligo Rovers: E. McGinty, J.R. Wilson, C. Wiggett, O. Denham, R. Hutchinson, F. Hartmann (O. Elding, 81), C. Malley, N. Morahan, S. Radosavljevic (W. Waweru, 56), E. Chapman, K. Barlow (W. Fitzgerald, 66).
Referee: Marc Lynch
This result sees Sligo Rovers move seven points clear of Drogheda United and continues their positive momentum in the league.
