League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Sligo Rovers

• Seán O'Connor
• Fri, Mar 11 2022




Drogheda United

Drogheda United face Sligo Rovers for the first time this season on Friday night. After a seventh-place finish last season, Kevin Doherty’s side will be hoping to improve, or at least maintain that finish in 2022.

Drogheda have had to cope with the losses of Mark Doyle and David Odumosu  to St Pat’s, James Brown to Blackburn and Killian Phillips to Crystal Palace, among others. The Louth side have been boosted by the signings of players like Dylan Grimes, Sean Roughan and Sam Long, as well as ten players from last year re-signing.

Doherty’s side have had a tricky start to 2022. Their opening game away to Finn Harps was postponed before losses to newly promoted Shelbourne and champions Shamrock Rovers followed. Drogheda got their campaign up and running with a comprehensive 4-2 win at home to UCD, in front of a sold-out Head in the Game Park.

After his side’s 4-2 win against UCD last weekend, Kevin Doherty spoke to the club’s media team.

“Sligo are a really good side,” Doherty said.

“They had a good result last week. We have a proper week going into it now so the lads can get rested, and we will prepare for Sligo.”

Sligo Rovers

After a third-place finish last season, Liam Buckley’s side have enjoyed an unbeaten start to 2022. Their opening game a home to Bohemians was postponed before they beat the FAI Cup champions St. Pat’s away  the following week. A 0-0 stalemate against Ruaidhrí Higgins’ highly rated Derry City side followed, before Sligo drew 0-0 at home to Dundalk last Friday.

After losing players like  Johnny Kenny and John Mahon over the winter,  Buckley’s side have been reinforced by the signings of Will Fitzgerald, Aidan Keena, and Nando Pijnaker, among others.

Greg Bolger and Robbie McCourt return for the Bit O’Red, having missed last weekend’s draw to Dundalk. Previewing the game on Friday night, Liam Buckley spoke to Sligo’s media team, and said that he expects a difficult game.

“It was a tough start to the season facing three of the teams who’ll look to be competing at the top end of the table,” Buckley said.

“I felt like we did well in those games and defended quite well, but we know there is also improvement in the group in relation to where we want to be.

“It was great for the fans to have the team coming back to The Showgrounds last weekend and to their credit they came out in big numbers to support us. Our last couple of away games we had a great away support, and I am sure tomorrow will be no different, we’re looking forward to it.

“Drogheda had a fine season last year and will be looking to do better again. They’ve lost some players, but they’ve also added some quality and looking at them so far, we know we’re in for a difficult game.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

In their four league meetings last year, the sides won one each and drew twice.

Sligo’s two trips to Drogheda last season ended in draws.

Colm Horgan and Aidan Keena lead Sligo’s scoring charts this season with a goal each.

Chris Lyons’ brace last weekend against UCD makes him Drogheda’s highest scorer so far on two.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1 - 2 Sligo Rovers

Drogheda United

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

FAI CEO Jonathan Hill discusses the state of League of Ireland facilities https://t.co/Xz0aitOJndpic.twitter.com/u0Ckx7jQDG

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