Sligo Rovers men’s senior team slipped back to ninth spot in the Premier Division table after a narrow one goal defeat to Drogheda United at Sullivan and Lambe Park.

Mary Doyle struck for the game’s only goal in the first half and although Rovers dominated the play in the second period, the Bit O’Red’s four match unbeaten streak ultimately came to an end. 

Drogs went ahead on 14 minutes when Conor Keeley guided Brandon Kavanagh’s corner towards Doyle who fired past Sam Sargeant from two yards out. 

Rovers weren’t at our best in the opening 45 but did have a chance late in the half courtesy of a Carl McHugh header.

While John Russell’s charges were denied a penalty when former full back Edwin Agbaje missed his attempt at clearing Archie Meekison’s cross. 

The ball hopped up and clearly struck the defender’s arm, changing the trajectory of the ball. However referee Kevin O’Sullivan saw the incident differently and immediately waved away Sligo’s claims. 

Rovers were much sharper in the second period, with Sargeant going long periods without being tested. 

At the far end, Meekison worked Flynn Talley with a header from a Sean Stewart cross while Sean McHale nodded Meekison’s corner onto the roof of the net shortly after. 

It was Rovers who were asking all the questions in the second half, but it wasn’t to be for the away side who move on to Monday’s game with St Patrick’s Athletic. Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 5pm. 

Drogheda United: Flynn Talley; Edwin Agbaje, Andrew Quinn, Conor Keeley, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan, Shane Farrell; Warren Davis (Jason Bucknor, 81), Brandon Kavanagh (Jago Godden, 61), Thomas Oluwa; Mark Doyle (Kieran Cruise, 71).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Sean McHale, Gareth McElroy, Ollie Denham, Sean Stewart (Alex Nolan, 75); Carl McHugh, James McManus; Archie Meekison; Daire Patton (Mai Traore, 82), Cian Kananagh, Will Fitzgerald.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan