FAI Cup Preview: Drogheda United -v- Sligo Rovers

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United welcome Sligo Rovers to Weavers Park on Friday night in the first-round of the FAI Cup (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders come into Friday’s game off the back of a morale-boosting win over basement battlers UCD.

Ryan Brennan opened the scoring for Kevin Doherty’s side before Conor Keeley then struck before the half hour mark to make it 2-0.

Adam Foley then put the gloss on the win before UCD netted a consolation late on.

Since then, the Drogs have also signed promising central defender Emmanuel Adegboyega up to a professional contract amid interest in his services from elsewhere.

But as far as team news goes for Friday’s clash against Sligo, they are likely to be without Dylan Grimes and Jarlath Jones who are both rated as doubtful.

SLIGO ROVERS

Following a 3-0 win over Cork City last weekend, John Russell’s Sligo Rovers make the trip to Drogheda with a renewed sense of purpose.

Prior to their win over Liam Buckley’s side the Bit O’ Red were struggling for form and points in the Premier Division.

But that win has sent them six points clear of the Leesiders and means they head into the FAI Cup with their relegation fears eased.

They have also confirmed the departure of Estonian international Bogdan Vastsuk in recent days.

And Rovers are set to remain without Garry Buckley, Karl O’Sullivan, James Finnerty, Reece Hutchinson, Mark Byrne and Gary Boylan through injury on Friday.

Referee: David Dunne.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 2-0 Sligo Rovers

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Jarlath Jones, Dylan Grimes.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Garry Buckley, Karl O’Sullivan, James Finnerty, Reece Hutchinson, Mark Byrne, Gary Boylan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.