League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Sligo Rovers

DROGHEDA UNITED

Relegation-threatened Drogheda United host Sligo Rovers at Weavers Park on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Drogheda defeated Sligo in the last meeting between the teams on Boyneside earlier this season, winning 3-1 with goals from Darragh Markey, Frantz Pierrot and Aaron McNally. 

And Kevin Doherty’s troops head into their latest league outing after securing 9-0 win against Wilton United in the third-round of the FAI Cup last week. 

Douglas James-Taylor and Bridel Bosakani both scored hat-tricks, while Ryan Brennan, Frantz Pierrot and Andrew Quinn were also on the scoresheet.

Drogheda will meet Athlone Town in the quarter-finals.  

In team news, Zishim Bawa is ruled out for the remainder of the season after ankle surgery, while Aaron McNally may return from injury.

SLIGO ROVERS

John Russell has called on his Sligo Rovers side to bounce back from a shock FAI Cup defeat against UCD last weekend.

The Bit O’Red slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to the Students last weekend to miss out on a last-eight berth in the competition.

But they remain in a strong position in the league and will be keen to get back to winning ways. 

“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, both divisions,” Russell told his club’s website. 

“Drogheda have already beaten us this year so we know we cannot afford to be anything but fully focused and prepared for this game. They are only two points off Dundalk and they know a few points will push them up the table as the league is so tight. 

The players have been excellent in the league lately and we’re delighted with how they have performed and the wins they have picked up so we want to keep that feeling rolling into Drogheda and beyond.”

Connor Malley returns having missed that defeat to the Students last weekend, with Nando Pijnaker and Ollie Denham to be assessed before the game having picked up knocks.

Winger Stephen Mallon will not travel due an injury sustained during the week. John Mahon and Conor Reynolds are some way off a return.

Referee: Robert Harvey.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 2-1 Sligo Rovers

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.

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