Drogheda United's eight-game winless streak is over after goals from Darragh Markey, Frantz Pierrot and Aaron McNally handed them a richly deserved win over Sligo Rovers at Weavers Park.
United had not won in the league since 4 March and that victory represented their only win in 15 league outings stretching back to last September. There had been draws aplenty but this three points is crucial, especially given Dundalk’s success at Oriel Park.
Will Fitzgerald had handed Sligo an early lead but Markey’s stunning strike from 20-yards cancelled that out. United’s two second-half efforts – Pierrot’s from the spot - were just reward for a fine overall performance.
Andrew Wogan returned to the Drogheda squad having missed three games with a groin injury. He was kept in reserve however, with South African Jethren Barr preferred.
Sligo were severely depleted for their trip to Weavers Park. Fabrice Hartmann, Simon Power and Max Mata were all missing while Nando Pijnaker and John Mahon remained injured.
That gave John Russell’s side an unfamiliar look, especially in the attacking third, which offered Drogheda a major opportunity to earn maximum points.
They took their opportunity but not until Sligo had gone in front. Fitzgerald capitalised on some hesitant defending in the United rearguard. Without their frontline attackers, they struggled after that.
Markey’s leveller was superb. Hayden Cann, Pierrot and Warren Davis were all involved before the midfielder hit an effort into the top corner.
He was only denied a brace by Oliver Denham’s block after a brilliant move that started with some superb skill in the middle of the pitch.
Pierrot’s spot kick – after Luke Heeney was felled by Niall Morahan – was dispatched with ease. Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty was sent the wrong way as the Haitian rolled in his effort.
Bar Reece Hutchinson’s speculative shot from range, Rovers offered nothing in response.
McNally then put a Sligo defender on the floor before curling a right foot shot beyond the goalkeeper with just minutes remaining.
Drogheda United: Jethren Barr; Luke Heeney, Jack Keaney, Hayden Cann, Conor Kane; Gary Deegan, Oisin Gallagher; Adam Foley (Aaron McNally, 65), Darragh Markey (Dave Webster, 90+1), Warren Davis; Frantz Pierrot (Ryan Brennan, 84).
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; John Ross Wilson, Charlie Wiggett, Oliver Denham, Reece Hutchinson; Niall Morahan Rein Smit, 78), Connor Malley, Ellis Chapman; Stefan Radosavljevic (Owen Elding, 78), Will Fitzgerald (Kailin Barlow, 46); Wilson Waweru.
Referee: Mark Houlihan
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