Preview: Drogheda United vs Sligo Rovers

Drogheda United take on Sligo Rovers, a team with an identical league record, on Tuesday night in United Park (kick-off 7:45pm). The teams met in week two of the league campaign and that ended in an entertaining 0-0. Both teams have averaged just over a goal a game, suggesting a 1-1 draw could be on the cards.

Both teams sit 11 points off the leaders St. Pats, but despite this Paul Doolin is not conceding the chance of catching the Saints. "We're 11 points behind now, and to be honest, we probably can't afford to be dropping more points. Pat's look strong, but it's by no means over yet. There are still a lot of points to play for."

Last week Drogheda took on Shamrock Rovers and came away with a point. (see our extratime.ie report here). Paul Doolin was happy with the performance. "I think we dominated against Rovers in the first half. We had a few excellent chances, and their 'keeper made some excellent saves, particularly from Tony Grant. But we weren't great in the second half. We really need to take our chances when they come. Other than that, we're playing well."

Sligo have started this season strongly and will provide tough opposition for Drogheda. "They're a very good side", Doolin said. "They've had a good start and we know they have some very good players. But I think we really need to be looking at 6 points from our next two games."

United will be without 'keeper Dan Connor, who is still recovering from a hip injury, while Shane Barrett, Declan O'Brien, Richie Baker and Tony Grant are also absent.

Sligo Rovers only injury worry for the game is Mauro Almeida. Mauro picked up a thigh injury during Thursday’s training session and missed the game against St.Pats on Friday night and is only 50/50 to start on Tuesday. Paul Cook will watch the game from the stand as he serves the third of a four match touch-line ban.

The game kicks off at 7:45pm.