- Andrew Dempsey
- Sat, Jun 12 2021
SLIGO ROVERS
League leaders Sligo Rovers welcome Drogheda United to the Showgrounds on Saturday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Bit O’Red come into the game after rousing run of form before the mid-season break, culminating in a 2-1 win over Finn Harps.
And their manager Liam Buckley is hopeful that his side can continue their good run of form after the break.
“The break is what it is,” Buckley said. “We’re back to it now and we’re looking forward to being back out on the pitch for what is going to be a difficult game.
“We’re a prime example of how competitive the league is and that every game is an opportunity to pick up points.
“You have to work for every point you get in this league and if you don’t you’re going to be beaten. We’re very pleased with our total so far.
“That said, we’re far from getting ahead of ourselves. We know there are just 14 matches played in a 36-game season and there isn’t a great deal of points from first all the way down to eighth.
“There’s a long way to go and we just have to keep working hard and building on the momentum we have.
“Drogheda have had a great campaign so far and it’s not a surprise when you look at the experienced players like Dane Massey, Gary Deegan and a lot of quality players in a good squad. We know it’s a hard game and we have to be ready for it.
In terms of team news, Garry Buckley is doubtful with a muscle strain while Darren Collins and Jason Devaney are out with ankle and hamstring complaints. Romeo Parkes will serve a one-game ban.
DROGHEDA UNITED
High-flying Drogheda United make the visit to Sligo Rovers on Saturday evening looking to continue their good form.
The Boynesiders come into the game off the back of a positive run before the mid-season break.
And their manager Tim Clancy is hoping that his side can maintain their concentration from earlier this season.
“(Sligo) are top of the table on merit. We can take confidence from the reverse fixture at our ground. They were still ahead of us in the league, we probably should have won that game on the balance of things.
“It gives us confidence, there’s more pressure on them to win because they want to stay top of the league.
“Where we are sitting in the league at the minute is brilliant for us. We’ve got to focus on our game, and if we can get a really good performance, and our energy levels back to where they were for most of the season, I think we’ll be ok,” Clancy said.
In team news, Jordan Adeyemo is suspended following his red card against Derry while Luke Heeney has received an additional red card suspension following his red card against Finn Harps.
Brandon Bermingham is aiming to return to training from a quad injury next week, while Hugh Douglas and Mark Hughes continue to step up their recovery from injuries.
Referee: Rob Harvey.
BETTING
Sligo Rovers 19/20; Draw 21/10; Drogheda United 14/5.
PREDICTION
Sligo Rovers 2 – 0 Drogheda United
Sligo Rovers
Injured: David Cawley, Jason Devaney, Darren Collins.
Doubtful: Garry Buckley.
Suspended: Romeo Parkes.
Drogheda United
Injured: Mark Hughes, Hugh Douglas, Brandon Bermingham.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Jordan Adeyemo, Luke Heeney.
