League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Sligo Rovers

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DROGHEDA UNITED

After an unbeaten start to the season, Drogheda United will be looking to maintain their record when they take on Sligo Rovers on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders drew their opener against Shelbourne 0-0 and then scored late against champions Shamrock Rovers last week to avoid defeat.

And they could have snatched a late win against the Hoops was it not for some heroic defending from Rovers late on.

But they do come into the game reeling off the back of a shock midweek Leinster Senior Cup loss to Usher Celtic.

Kevin Doherty’s side raced into a 2-0 lead before being pegged back by their Leinster Senior League opponents.

And in extra-time the Drogs were undone by two quickfire goals as Usher claimed a remarkable 4-2 win on the road.

But for Friday’s game against Sligo they are likely to be without teenager Ben Curtis who is rated as a doubt.

New signing Matthew O’Brien may feature after recently joining from Longford Town.

SLIGO ROVERS



After coming from behind last week to defeat UCD at the Belfield Bowl, Sligo Rovers are on the road again as they face Drogheda United.

The Bit O’ Red needed a controversial penalty to see off the Students as Max Mata converted for John Russell’s side.

But the win sets them up nicely ahead of their visit to Windmill Road on Friday night in their quest to challenge for European qualification this season.

In terms of team news for Sligo, they are expected to remain without Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne and Garry Buckley for the game.

Referee: Adriano Reale.

 



MATCH STATS

Drogheda United are winless against Sligo Rovers in each of their last six games, with their last win against the Bit O’ Red arriving in June 2021.

On that occasion Chris Lyons netted twice for the then Tim Clancy managed side as Shane Blaney (now at Motherwell) scored for Sligo.

Doherty’s side have conceded just one goal so far this season, with Graham Burke’s goal for Shamrock Rovers the only time their defence has been breached.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1 – 0 Sligo Rovers

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Ben Curtis.

Suspended: None.

 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne, Garry Buckley.

Doubtful: Conor Walsh, Bogdan Vastsuk.

Suspended: None.

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