- Andrew Dempsey
- Sat, Oct 28 2023
SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers boss John Russell wants Sligo Rovers to finish their home campaign with a win when they host Drogheda United at the Showgrounds on Saturday evening (kick-off is at 6pm).
The Bit O’Red have endured a wretched season at the wrong end of the table but know just one more from their last two games will ensure their safety from a relegation play-off.
And even if Cork City claw the points deficit back, Sligo have a far superior goal difference that should keep them in eighth.
“We’re very keen to finish off the home season with a win,” Russell said this week. “We want to give our home fans something to smile about after a tough year.
“We know we need a win in one of our final two matches and we’ll certainly be looking to win the game on Saturday.
“Drogheda have had a good season. I felt we should have won the last game when we were the goals ahead and we let that slip.
Sligo were edged out 1-0 away to St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday night thanks to a Kian Leavy goal - and Russell wants his side to apply themselves in the same way they did again.
“I wanted a reaction last Monday night and felt we got that with aspects of our performance, even in defeat,” he explained.
“We have to take the same level of application and put the chances we create away to get the three points.”
Reece Hutchinson is a doubt while Robbie Burton and Greg Bolger return from suspension.
DROGHEDA UNITED
Kevin Doherty’s side visit the Showgrounds for their final away fixture of the season.
The sides have played four times this season, with Drogheda winning twice and the other two games ending all square.
Adam Foley's fine finish saw Drogheda win the first game between the sides in March before goals from Ryan Brennan and Max Mata saw the points shared in Sligo a month later.
They also met in the FAI Cup with Drogheda winning the tie 2-1.
But Drogheda head into this game following a heavy 5-0 loss away to Shamrock Rovers.
However, they welcome back Conor Keeley from suspension while Michael Leddy is available after being unable to play against his parent club last weekend.
Dylan Grimes, Ryan Brennan and Dayle Rooney remained sidelined with injury.
Referee: Alan Patchell.
PREDICTION
Sligo Rovers 0-2 Drogheda United
Sligo Rovers
Injured: Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne.
Doubtful:Reece Hutchinson.
Suspended: None.
Drogheda United
Injured: Dayle Rooney, Ryan Brennan, Dylan Grimes.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
