League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Sligo Rovers

DROGHEDA UNITED

Relegated Drogheda United will be looking to end the season on a positive note against Sligo Rovers on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm) by recording back-to-back wins for the first time since winning their opening two games of the season.

Drogheda had been on a run of 21 league games without a win, dating back to 21 April 21 until they beat Finn Harps 3-2 in their rescheduled game last Monday night.

Caolan McAleer gave Harps the lead in the first minute but second half goals from Chris Mulhall, Thomas Byrne and U19 top scorer Stephen Meaney saw Drogheda end their winless run despite McAleer netting his second of the game late on.

"It was very important for us to get that monkey off our back,” United manager Pete Mahon told to his club’s official website.

“We made it difficult for ourselves once again by conceding so early but we stayed in the game and all the credit must go to the players."

The Harps game had originally been scheduled for Friday but was postponed an hour before kickoff due to an unplayable pitch at Finn Park with the fixture refixed for Monday.

“It was an awful pitch to play on but we showed character in coming from behind and scoring three goals for the first time this season. I was delighted for the players and the fans who made the long journey on a Monday evening.

“I’ve seen a lot of other clubs get credit for bringing young players through but we had seven teenagers involved during the week and that bodes well for next season,” Mahon said.

He believes his side have a good chance of a win, despite Sligo desperate for points to avoid the drop - a draw is all they need to guarantee their safety.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to end the season on somewhat of a high. We’ve played quite well in the two games with Sligo so far this season and probably should’ve beaten them at United Park back in May.

“Obviously depending on other results, Sligo may not even need a result but we won’t be looking to do them any favours,” Mahon said.

Colm Deasy is again available for selection as he returns from suspension. However, Richie Purdy, Jake Hyland, Ryan Masterson, Gavin Brennan and Ciaran McGuigan all miss out through injury.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers make the trip east to face relegated Drogheda United on the final day of the season needing at least a draw to guarantee their Premier Division status.

Should the Bit o' Red lose to the Boynesiders, they will have to rely on Galway United not beating Dundalk if they are to stay in the top flight.

Sligo are in good form coming into this game and are unbeaten in their last three games having beaten Bohemians, drawn with Shamrock Rovers before they beat Derry City 3-0 at the Showgrounds last week.

“In recent weeks we have beaten teams that we couldn’t beat before,” manager Gerard Lyttle told the club’s official website.

“The win over Derry was very pleasing. In July it was a different story. We’ve beaten Bohs, got a good draw in Tallaght and our record in this series of games is good,”

“I made late changes to team against Derry because of the conditions. We felt some things would be preferential and opted to switch things up. There is no room for sentimentality, it’s part of the game and we have a good group here.”

Lyttle has no intentions on playing for a draw, stating that Sligo's aim will be to win the game and that his side will not be underestimating Drogheda.

“I have too much respect for Drogheda’s manager and management team to treat the game lightly. To think that Drogheda are just waiting for the season to end and that they will go through the motions would be stupidity.

“We have to have the same intensity as against Derry, the same work-rate and the same level of performance from the first minute,” Lyttle said.

Lyttle was keen to stress the important role Sligo’s fans have played this season with them expected to again travel in large numbers for this ‘cup final’.

“They been there with us everywhere and I know it’s going to be same again on Friday. It’s been an important part of the results we have got away from home. This is a Cup final for the whole club and they’ll play their part for us.”

Sligo remain without the injured Michael Schlingermann through a neck injury while Regan Donelon and Craig Roddan are suspended.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

Both games between these sides this season have ended in 1-1 draws with Sligo coming from behind in both games. Gareth McCaffrey and Jonah Ayunga were the scorers at United Park while Rhys McCabe’s equaliser earned Sligo a point in the Showgrounds after Sean Russell’s goal of the season contender on his debut for Drogheda.

Only Drogheda (22) have scored less goals than Sligo (33) in the league this season. Bohemians have also scored 33. However, Drogheda scored three goals in one game for the first time this season on Monday against Finn Harps.

Sligo have picked up 10 of a possible 15 points from their last five league games in comparison to Drogheda’s three points, from their victory over Harps.

BETTING

Drogheda United 5/1; Draw 16/5; Sligo Rovers 2/5.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1-2 Sligo Rovers.

Drogheda United

Injured: Richie Purdy, Jake Hyland, Ryan Masterson, Gavin Brennan, Ciaran McGuigan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Michael Schlingermann.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Regan Donelon, Craig Roddan.