Drogheda United 0 - 3 Sligo Rovers
Credit:
Sligo Rovers dreams of a league and cup double continued to gain momentum after they returned to the summit of the Airtrictity League Premier Division for the first time since mid July at Hunky Dorys Park on Friday night. Two goals inside the first 30 minutes from winger Aaron Greene and a goal from John Russell inside the final 10 minutes was the difference as Paul Cook’s side continued in their quest for end of season silverware.
The home side, looking for their first league win at home since mid July were without the suspended Alan McNally, Tiarnan Mulvenna and Gavin Brennan, while Rovers were without Jason McGuinness and top scorer Eoin Doyle after both picked up injuries earlier in the week.
It was the away side who started the better, and within 90 seconds had taken the lead courtesy of Aaron Greene. The always mercurial Joseph Ndo sent a corner into the Drogheda box into the path of Derek Foran who found Greene on the edge of the box. The former Bohemians winger rifled his shot past Stephen Trimble into the top left corner much to the delight of the large traveling support.
In response, Mick Cooke’s side got back into the game and although having the bulk of the possession for the next 20 minutes were unable to breakthrough the tightest defence in this years Premier Division with Gavin Peers and Derek Foran looking assured throughout the game.
By the half hour mark the game was over as a contest as Greene scored his second goal of the game after excellent work by Matthew Blinkhorn. The striker played a precise pass to the on rushing Greene down the right flank and after beating Robbie Gaul, shot past Trimble from a tight angle to beat the Drogheda net minder with the ball going in off the foot of the post.
Drogheda’s best chance in the game came just before half time. A through ball from midfield found Shane Fitzgerald who beat Brendan Clarke to the ball just outside the box. The Drogheda player managed to stay on his feet and took his shot but Gavin Peers cleared the ball with a diving header to maintain Rovers two goal lead at the break.
The second half lacked the intensity of the first with Rovers willing to allow Drogheda more time on the ball, but the Boynesiders found it difficult to break through a resolute defence. Midfielder Peter McMahon had a shot with 20 minutes left from outside the box, but his volley never troubled Brendan Clarke.
Rovers wrapped up the points nine minutes from time with the tireless John Russell capping off an excellent individual performance with a goal after a goalmouth scramble in the Drogheda six yard box. There were numerous chances to make it four before full time, with Ndo, Russell and substitute Conor Powell all squandering chances, whilst Rafael Cretaro had a goal ruled out for being offside.
Drogheda’s misery was completed in injury time as Mark O’Brien was sent off for a second yellow card after an off the ball incident in the middle of the park.
Drogheda United: Stephen Trimble; Robbie Gaul, Brian Gannon, Dave Rogers, Robbie Clarke (Daniel Corcoran 69); Stephen Quigley, Mark O’Brien, Peter McMahon. Philip Hand, Shane Fitzgerald (Antoni Melis 85); Jordan White (Shane Dolan 69).
Subs not used: Keith McCarthy, Eoin Smyth, Reece McEnteer, Sean Challenger.
Bookings: Gannon (20).
Sent Off: Mark O’Brien (93).
Sligo Rovers: Brendan Clarke; Alan Keane, Derek Foran, Gavin Peers, Iarflaith Davoren (Conor Powell 77); Joseph Ndo, John Russell, Richie Ryan, Danny Ventre (Alan Kirby 86), Aaron Greene; Matthew Blinkhorn (Rafael Cretaro 71).
Subs not used: Ciaran Kelly, Liam Martin, John Dillon, Colm McLaughlin.
Bookings: Davoren (74), Cretaro (86).
Referee: Padraig Sutton.
Attendance: 1,200 (est).
Man of the Match: Aaron Greene (Sligo Rovers).
