Sligo Rovers have the opportunity to move off the foot of the Premier Division table ahead of the summer break as St Patrick’s Athletic are the visitors to the Showgrounds this Friday night, kick-off 7.45pm.

The Bit O’Red remain deadlocked with Cork City at the bottom of the division, with just one goal separating the sides as we hit the season’s half-way point. 

Friday’s game will be the second meeting of these two sides this year and is the Saints’ first visit to Sligo of 2025. Pat’s narrowly beat Rovers by the odd goal in seven when the clubs met at Richmond Park back in February on the third weekend of the season. While Stephen Kenny’s side beat Rovers last time out at the Showgrounds, on the final day of the 2024 season. 

Rovers manager John Russell will be without centre half Ollie Denham who isn’t due back in action for another four weeks approximately. Full back Oskar Van Hattum has returned to training and may be available. While there are doubts over defender Conor Reynolds and midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes who was withdrawn before kick-off in Tolka Park last Friday. Van Hattum, Reynolds and Doyle-Hayes will each be assessed once more in the lead up to the game.

Ahead of the match, Russell has praised his players’ resilience over the last few weeks and noted that he believes he has seen enough from his squad to prove they are a match for any team in the division. However, Russell has also warned in equal measure, the threat Pat’s will bring with them this Friday. 

“You just have to look at who their manager is and some of their players”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“They have the most experienced manager in this league, someone with an international and both a league and cup winning background. While their squad is littered with talent so this is going to be the toughest game we’ve had this season. 

“We’ve been gifting goals to teams lately and if we do this again on Friday, we’ll be sorely punished so we have to cut out the mistakes and be fully focused from kick-off.  

“There’s goals in our team and plenty of them. It gives us confidence that we went to the home of the champions last week, scored twice and were always in the game. We had Shels under the cosh for sustained periods and produced plenty of opportunities. We just have to stop giving away these gifts of goals. 

“As a club, we have so much belief in this young group and I think the supporters do too. We’re constantly being hit with set-backs and a lot of that is down to ourselves. But we always dust ourselves down and go again. There’s a real self-belief and resilience in us. 

“We know we’re good enough to beat anyone on our night. The games have come thick and fast and it’s been a busy few weeks heading into this break. We don’t want to be where we are as it isn’t where we belong and we’re looking to finish the first half of the season with a win. Hopefully we’ll have a big crowd in to roar us on on Friday night.”

David Goulden

Owen Elding hit one of the goals of the season at Tolka Park on Friday evening but it wasn’t enough as Sligo Rovers were beaten by the odd goal in five by champions Shelbourne.

Elding’s goal was the fifth of the lot in a 3-2 defeat as the Riverstown man claimed his seventh goal of the season with a stunner from distance after a John Martin hat-trick had turned this game on its head.

Gareth McElroy had given Rovers an early lead, but the Drumcondra outfit hit back twice before the break through Martin who had his third before the hour. 

The result leaves Rovers in tenth position, still level on points with Cork City.  

Seeking consecutive wins for the first time this year, Rovers were the dominant side in the opening quarter and had a deserved lead after just three minutes of play. 

McElory making the very most of the space left by slack Shels defending as he nodded yet another Will Fitzgerald assist, this time from a corner, beyond Lorcan Healy for his second of the season. 

The visitors were all over Damien Duff’s for the opening exchanges. Fitzgerald’s input was crucial once more as he knocked a Shels defender off the ball before finding Elding whose shot on the turn was shoveled wide by Healy on ten. While the hosts were stretched again six minutes later when Jad Hakiki’s effort took a knock off Kameron Ledwidge before curling narrowly beyond the far post as Sligo continued to press for a second. 

Last year’s league winners had their leveler on 34 minutes when Evan Caffrey found Martin who had strayed to the front post. While the same supplier and finisher had the Dubliners in the lead five minutes later. 

Rovers had to suppress a late first half onslaught from their opponents and just about survived when Martin’s header came off the top of the crossbar. 

The second period saw Rovers goalkeeper Sam Sargeant pull off a string of good saves. The first from a speculative effort from Shels’ midfielder Kerr McInroy, although despite his best efforts there was little Sargeant could do as Shels had their third on 57 when Martin scrambled the ball over the line as the Rovers defence struggled to deal with a low cross from the left. 

Two minutes later and John Russell’s charges were right back in this one. 

Elding’s sumpstous, almost nonchalant left footed drive from 30 yards arrowed into the corner of Healy’s net, stunning the home support and offering hope to the large travelling support behind that goal. 

Sargeant was called into action again when he went full stretch to parry former Rovers man Ellis Chapman’s effort from range while McInroy struck the post with a bending set-piece soon after. 

Rovers pushed and harried for a third and had a chance at the end when both substitutes Francely Lomboto and Wilson Waweru hesitated to get on the end of a Fitzgerald cross. The ball called out for a touch which never arrived as the danger was then cleared. 

Our next game is back at home as St Patrick’s Athletic are the visitors to the Showgrounds this Friday, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Shelbourne: Lorcan Healy; Mark Coyle, Kameron Ledwidge, Tyreke Wilson; John O’Sullivan, Kerr McInroy, JJ Lunney, Ellis Chapman, Evan Caffrey; Harry Wood (Mipo Odubeko, 70’), John Martin (Daniel Kelly, 84’)

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds (Harvey Lintott, 46’), Gareth McElroy, John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Jad Hakiki, Matthew Wolfe (Francely Lomboto, 70’), Owen Elding, Stephen Mallon (Ronan Manning, 46’), Will Fitzgerald; Cian Kavanagh (Wilson Waweru, 70’)

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd (Dublin)

David Goulden  

Dublin is the destination for Sligo Rovers this Friday, more specifically Drumcondra and Tolka Park as the Bit O’Red face champions Shelbourne for the second time this season, kick-off 7.45pm.

Rovers go into this game on the back of a tremendous win in last Friday’s Connacht derby over Galway United as we look to make it back-to-back-wins for the first time this year. 

Rovers will face last year’s league winners without centre half Ollie Denham who looks set to continue his stint on the sidelines until approximately the end of June, a sports hernia injury keeps him out. While this game comes just a little too early for Oskar Van Hattum who should be available for the visit of St Patrick’s Athletic to the Showgrounds on May 30th. 

Midfielder Ronan Manning’s fitness will be assessed in the lead up to the game. 

Tolka Park was a venue in which Rovers were unbeaten last season. A 2-1 win in May 2024 was followed up by a scoreless draw against Damien Duff’s outfit in late September that year. Shels did have the better of things in the sides’ first meeting this season. Reece Hutchinson replied to goals from Kerr McInroy and John Martin late in the opening half, but Rovers were unable to find a leveller in the second period. 

Rovers remain at the foot of the Premier Division ladder, level on points with Cork City and just one goal worse off. Avoiding defeat in Dublin on Friday could lift Rovers off the bottom depending on how Cork get on against Galway at Eamonn Deacy Park. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of Friday’s game, Sligo boss John Russell acknowledged the magnitude of Friday’s task and is hoping another big crowd follows his side up the N4 as Rovers face a Shels side with just one win in their last five. 

“I was really proud of the boys coming away from Galway as we spoke at length all last week about how tough a game it was going to be and what we needed to do. Our big players showed up for us and we’re looking for more against Shels. 

“But once Saturday morning came, the full focus was on Friday. We did really well in Galway but we must follow it up now with another good show in Dublin. I’m repeating myself every week maybe, but we have huge belief in this group of players and they know if they keep working hard and can be consistent in their actions, then they’ll be rewarded.

“It doesn’t come any tougher now than Shels away. They have strength everywhere and have a big enough squad to probably cover each position twice over. But we’ll take confidence from last week’s win.

“Our supporters have gone through a lot in recent months. They’re out selling tickets to fund the club on a Thursday night and then they’re back to work the next morning, then travelling long journeys to Dublin, Waterford and Galway on a Friday before going back out and raising money for the club again the Saturday. There’s no set of fans in this country as dedicated as Sligo Rovers’ so it was great to be able to give them that win last week. But we have to follow it up with more good nights now.  

“They made a huge noise in Galway and the boys played off that when things got tough. We’re hoping for another big crowd behind that goal again in Tolka on Friday. We know we can lift ourselves away from that bottom spot and that’s the carrot we’re chasing.” 

David Goulden

Reece Hutchinson was Sligo Rovers’ hero as the Bit O’Red beat neighbours Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday.

It was a fourth consecutive defeat for John Caulfield’s men as Rovers kept their second clean sheet on the road this season. 

Hutchinson’s second goal of the season earned the Bit O’Red a massive three points as John Russell’s side moved level with Cork City on 12 points. 

Down bodies due to injuries, John Caulfield made three changes from the side that lost to Waterford; Bobby Burns, Ed McCarthy and Greg Cunningham all returning to the team with Regan Donelon, Cillian Tollett and Conor McCormack all dropping out.

Rovers boss Russell also made three changes from last Saturday’s defeat to Bohemians.

John Mahon returned from suspension, while Jad Hakiki and Matty Wolfe returned to the starting 11 with Ronan Manning missing through injury, and Harvey Lintott and Francely Lomboto dropping to the bench.

In what was a very even first-half, neither side really took a foothold of the game.

Rob Slevin was on hand to divert Jad Hakiki’s ball away from the goal on four minutes, while John Mahon blocked down a volley from April’s player of the month Moses Dyer.

Sam Sargeant in the Rovers goal was tested a number of times early on, but dealt well with everything the home side threw his way.

A goal-line clearance from Gareth McElroy kept Jeannot Esua’s drive out, after Sargeant had got his fingertips to it.

Bobby Burns’ drive was blocked down by Leaving Cert student Conor Reynolds, with Cian Kavanagh’s overhead kick on 37 minutes forcing a save from the experienced Brendan Clarke in the Galway goals.

The hosts thought they had taken the lead on 67 minutes when Hickey cleverly got around Hutchinson inside the box, the American aiming for the far corner.

Rovers did have the woodwork to thank, as Hickey’s effort came off the far post and bounced back into the middle with the visitors dealing with it.

Two minutes later, Rovers hit the lead.

Former Barnsley midfielder Matty Wolfe drove forward and picked out the run of Hutchinson on the left.

The left-back cut inside and his shot took a deflection to beat Clarke much to the joy of the large travelling support. 

Galway native Francely Lomboto worked to get on the end of a good ball over the top after his introduction, but the former Galway United man was forced wide and couldn’t direct his shot on target.

United side were applying serious pressure in additional time at the end of the 90, but Sargeant was not troubled, in truth as Rovers dealt well with any subsequent pressure.

Attention now shifts to Friday’s league game with Shelbourne at Tolka Park as Rovers face the champions, kick-off in Dublin is 7.45pm.

Galway United: Brendan Clarke; Rob Slevin, Killian Brouder, Greg Cunningham; Jeannot Esua, Cian Byrne, Bobby Burns (Colm Horgan, 57 [Brian Cunningham, 92]), Ed McCarthy (Stephen Walsh, 81); Patrick Hickey, David Hurley (Sean Kerrigan, 92); Moses Dyer.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds (Harvey Lintott, 74), John Mahon, Gareth McElroy, Reece Hutchinson; Jake Doyle-Hayes, Matty Wolfe (Francely Lomboto, 82); Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Cian Kavanagh.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

Focus switches to Eamonn Deacy Park this Friday as Sligo Rovers meet Galway United in the second Connacht derby of 2025, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Both sides will be looking to turn around their respective recent fortunes with just six points taken from our last ten games combined. Rovers make the trip to Dyke Road on the back of three defeats and two draws, while United have taken just four points from their last available 15 with one win, one draw and three defeats.

The Tribesmen have the better of things in the head-to-head this season, coming out on top when the clubs met at the Showgrounds last month. Cian Byrne hit a brace before Rovers’ Owen Elding fired the Bit O’Red back into this game from the penalty spot with less than 20 minutes to go. John Caulfield’s charges held out for a first league win in Sligo in almost 30 years. 

Both clubs have not occupied the same division in every season over the past decade or so, with Galway suffering relegation in 2017 before coming back up two years ago in 2023. With that in mind, Rovers haven’t won at Eamonn Deacy Park since an EA Sports Cup victory there in 2018 and our most recent league win down there was two years previous when Kieran Sadlier bagged a brace. 

In team news, Rovers boss John Russell heads towards his hometown club with the services of returning captain John Mahon who is back in contention having missed last week’s defeat to Bohemians through suspension. Russell will again be without Oskar Van Hattum and Ollie Denham because of injuries. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of this derby, Russell says this is the kind of game which would act as a perfect platform for a return to form. 

“The squad and staff all know results have not been good enough for a club like ours. But again, there’s a huge determination within us to turn things around and there’s no better way of beginning to do that than with a good result in a derby this Friday. 

“Last week was hugely frustrating for everyone against Bohs. We missed a penalty early on and then conceded late in the game, it was a real sucker-punch and very hard to take. But that drives the players on to make sure they’re as ready as possible for their next game and make up for it. 

“We have re-grouped during this week and the players are ready now for a huge game.

“The Connacht derby is always special as it’s something really unique. Both sides are in similar form so it really feels like it will all be on the line and both sets of fans will be hoping for a big boost with a good result against a rival. 

“We played down there towards the end of last season and there was a huge crowd from both sides. The atmosphere created by our support was terrific despite being outnumbered by the home support and our lads need them again on Friday.”

David Goulden 

David Goulden at the Showgrounds

Lys Mousset stuck in the 88th minute of this game as Sligo Rovers were beaten late on by Bohemians at the Showgrounds.

To make matters worse for the Bit O’Red, Owen Elding saw an early penalty hit the crossbar as Rovers fell to their second defeat on the bounce.

Rovers came into this game on the back of just one win and two draws in their last five, while the visiting Gypsies were very much in the in-form side here with four victories in their last five outings. 

Rovers boss John Russell, without centre half pairing John Mahon and Ollie Denham made two changes from their defeat to Shamrock Rovers. Jake Doyle-Hayes returned from suspension while Harvey Lintott made his first start in nine games. Midfielder Conor Malley made the bench having been dropped from the squad for the trip to Tallaght. 

A resurgent Bohs named both Rob Cornwall and Colm Whelan in their starting team, their only changes from the late win in Galway five evenings previous.

Eleven years to the day since their last trophy win in the form of the final edition of the Setanta Sports Cup, Rovers went within inches of taking the lead in this one when Elding’s penalty after three minutes came off Kacper Choraka’s crossbar after Cian Kavangh was sent sprawling inside the Bohs area by Rob Cornwall. 

The Dubliners finished the opening half on the front foot, but Rovers did fashion another good chance on 26 minutes when Kavanagh stabbed Elding’s cross narrowly past the post.

Aware a win would move them within striking distance of the top two, the Phibsboro outfit asserted themselves as the half wore on. 

Reece Hutchinson swept a Dayle Rooney effort off his own line after goalkeeper Sam Sargeant had gone travelling. While the net minder diverted Dawson Devoy’s powerful volley over his goal on the next attack. 

The Dalymount outfit continued to press but Rovers dealt well with anything Bohs could muster. Jordan Flores’ drive took a lick off Elding’s heel as it fizzed wide, followed by another decent save from Sargeant who pushed a Cornwall header away from danger. 

Sargeat was involved in proceedings again on the hour when he produced a magnificent double save to keep Rovers alive in the tie. Cornwall’s initial blast was parried by the former Waterford man and Sargeant repeated the trick when his timely reaction kept out Rooney’s follow up. 

Rovers had plenty of play in and around the Bohs box but couldn’t manufacture the final ball to beat Chorzka.  

The winning strike arrived two minutes from time when substitute Mousset arrived in time to volley past Sargeant for another late win on the road for the visitors. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Harvey Lintott (Wilson Waweru 84), Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds (Kyle McDonagh 78), Reece Hutchinson; Jake Doyle-Hayes, Ronan Manning (Jad Hakiki 68); Will Fitzgerald, Francely Lomboto (Stephen Mallon 68); Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh (Conor Malley 78).

Bohs: Kacper Chorazka; Niall Morahan, Rob Cornwall, Sean Grehan, Ross Tierney; Adam McDonnell (Keith Buckley 78), Dawson Devoy; Ross Tierney (Archie Meekison 83), James Clarke (Lys Mousset 78), Dayle Rooney; Colm Whelan (Rhys Brennan 59). 

Referee: Mark Houlihan. 

Attendance: 2,056.

Sligo Rovers return to the Showgrounds this Saturday night as the Bit O’Red take on Bohemians in Premier Division action, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Rovers are back on home soil after being narrowly beaten by Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght on Monday last. 

Two down at the break, Rovers rallied in the second period and had their hosts under the cosh for sustained periods. Manager John Russell will look to bring that momentum into Saturday’s game with Bohs.

Russell welcomes back Jake Doyle-Hayes from a one match ban. However John Mahon, Ollie Denham and Oskar Van Hattum are unavailable. Mahon serves a one game ban due to the accumulation of a total of ten yellow cards. While Denham and Van Hattum are both nursing knocks. 

Speaking ahead of Saturday, boss Russell says he wants his team to show the desire and creativity which saw his side outplay the Hoops in stages of that game earlier this week. 

“We showed yet again in Dublin that we are more than able to compete with any team in this league”. he said. 

“We were really pleased with the second half performance which really owed us at least a goal. First half, things didn’t go our way and huge improvement was needed and we got that. 

“But in the second half, we could have had two or three goals and we were very impressive going forward. Again, we must improve defensively, everyone knows that and the players are working hard every day in training on that. We’ll be without our two starting centre halves for Bohs but we’ve known that since Monday so we’ve been able to prepare to deal with that. 

“Bohs have really turned things around recently and I think that was always going to happen. They have a really strong squad and will cause us problems but our players will be prepared for that. 

“We’re looking to put a bit of form together now and a few good results in this league can really see you climb and climb quickly.” 

Supporters are asked to note that 2025 Annual Draw tickets will go on sale at this game, with the club hoping to surpass the record amount of €130,000 raised last year. 

David Goulden

First half goals did all the damage as Shamrock Rovers overcame a superb second half fight-back from Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

Behind by two at the break, the visiting Rovers were a different team in the second half but were unable to find the net.

Graham Burke had the Hoops ahead from the penalty spot after 26 minutes, while former Rovers striker Aaron Green doubled the lead as the game headed for half-time. 

John Russell’s side knocked on the door on several occasions in the second half and were all over their Dublin opponents, a dominant Rovers falling just short in the Dublin sunshine. 

Referee Rob Hennessy awarded Shams the spot-kick after the ball hopped up and on to Conor Reynolds’ arm, an unlucky moment on what was another fine performance from a rising Rovers star. 

Burke dispatched the penalty to give the hosts the lead while the 2023 champions had their second on 42. Greene turning to finish off a neat flick over the Rovers rearguard from Jack Byrne.

Rovers were a totally different side in the second half and were unfortunate early on not to be awarded their own penalty after a Shams defender looked like he had handled the ball inside Ed McGinty’s area. 

McGinty was by far the busier goalkeeper in the second 45 and scrambled to keep out a Matty Wolfe effort. While Owen Elding had a header taken on McGinty’s line by Roberto Lopes as the visitors continued their relentless press for a goal of their own. 

Rovers kept trying but couldn’t unlock the Hoops door, going close through Francely Lomboto after Elding’s through ball had caused chaos amongst the Shams’ defence. Ronan Manning then had former Rovers number one McGinty racing across his line to push a late free-kick over his crossbar. 

Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Cory O’Sullivan; Adam Matthewst, Darragh Nugent, Matt Healy (Gary O’Neill 67), Jack Byrne (Nichael Noonan 67), Danny Grant (Victor Ozhianvuna 83); Graham Burke (John O’Sullivan 67); Aaron Greene (Rory Gaffney 83).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sergeant; Conor Reynolds (Harvey Lintott 77), Gareth McElroy, John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Matt Wolfe (Daire Patton 77), Ronan Manning; Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki (Cian Kavanagh h-t; Stephen Mallon 82), Will Fitzgerald; Francely Lomboto (Wilson Warweru 77).

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

Tallaght Stadium is Sligo Rovers’ destination this bank holiday Monday evening as the Bit O’Red travel to Dublin for the third time this season, this time to take on Shamrock Rovers. Supporters are reminded kick-off time has been revised to 7pm. 

Rovers go into this one on the back of home draws against Cork City and Drogheda United, while the Hoops are without a win in four having played out draws with Cork, Shels and Pat’s and were recently beaten by rivals Bohemians who Sligo Rovers face at the Showgrounds this coming Saturday.

Tallaght hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for John Russell’s men recently. Our last win at the south Dublin venue was back in 2021 and since then, Sligo have lost in each of our seven visits bar a draw in April 2022. 

However, Sligo Rovers did win the last meeting between these two teams back in March at the Showgrounds. A Reece Hutchinson strike before half-time was cancelled out by Graham Burke, but Sligo skipper John Mahon struck for what was our first win of the season twelve minutes from time. 

Rovers head to the capital again without Ollie Denham and Oskar Van Hattum, both of whom are continuing to recover from injury and are Russell’s only injury concerns. Jake Doyle-Hayes is also unavailable due to suspension.

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of the game, the Rovers boss says he wants to see his team improve defensively but is full of optimism ahead of what will be a challenging contest.  

“Every ground you visit in this league is a tough place to go to”, he says. “There simply just aren’t any games that aren’t tough and Monday will be the same. Our record up there isn’t great but we’re using that as motivation to go and give a good account of ourselves. 

“We’ve been the architects of our own downfall at times this season and have given other teams headstarts. We’ve been so impressive going forward, creating chances and scoring goals and I’m really happy with that. But what’s been killing us is the concession of silly goals. 

“If you make it easy for the opposition somewhere like Tallaght, then chances are you’re not coming back from it so we need to be on our game from the start. 

“We’ve a good group here and we know what we can achieve this season if we get things right. We showed against Shamrock Rovers in Sligo in March that we can put it up to the strongest teams in this league. We just need to get the basics right and our talent will bring us the rest of the way.

“We’re really looking forward to this one and hopefully it’ll be a good evening for us.”

David Goulden 

David Goulden at the Showgrounds

Two goals down to Drogheda United with less than half an hour to go, Sligo Rovers battled back to take a point from this game courtesy of an Owen Elding strike and a James Bolger own goal at the Showgrounds.

The visitors led this game by two courtesy of goals either side of half time from the boots of Conor Keeley and Thomas Oluwa. But an Owen Elding goal on 67 and a James Bolger own goal on 73 saw Rovers level the tie and topple Drogs from top spot. 

Rovers boss John Russell included Connor Malley in his starting eleven for the first time in four games, the ex-Dundalk general the home side’s only change from the draw with Cork City last Saturday. Striker Wilson Waweru was named on the bench having returned from a serious achilles injury which kept him out since last September. While United manager Kevin Doherty brought both Elicha Ahui and Paul Doyle back having missed the defeat to Galway. 

Drogs had the better of the first half exchanges. Despite being forced into a re-shuffle because of an early injury to midfielder Doyle, the FAI Cup holders looked the far more convincing side in the first 45. 

Rovers captain John Mahon did just enough to take the ball off the toe of Oluwa after the imposing attacker fended off three Sligo defenders on his way to goal. While Andrew Quinn’s free header from a Shane Farrell corner was claimed by Sligo goalkeeper Sam Sargeant minutes later.

The hosts did have a small purple patch in this half. Elding, whose father Anthony scored the winner in the epic 2013 cup decider between these clubs, fired wide on the quarter hour after Drogheda failed to clear a Jake Doyle-Hayes set piece. While the ball squirmed away from Cian Kavanagh after Elding’s shot was parried by Luke Dennison towards the Sligo centre forward who found himself in front of goal.

The Louthmen controlled proceedings from here until the interval and took the lead on 28 minutes. Sligo had been forewarned four minutes earlier when Keeley’s header across the face of goal was headed over by the unmarked James Bolger. 

Drogheda arrived again and were more clinical on this occasion when Quinn knocked a Farrell free-kick back across to Keeley who fired his fourth goal of the season beyond Sargeant. 

Chasing the game, Rovers fashioned chances through Malley early in the second period. The first was simple for Dennison to deal with but the second, an overhead shot had the California born stopper scrambling to clear the ball from under his crossbar.

Making the most of their opportunities, Drogheda had their second on 63 when Mahon mis-judged the pace of a Warren Davis cross, allowing Oluwa to apply a simple finish. 

Not lying down however, Russell’s men struck back on 67 when from the end line, Will Fitzgerald picked out Elding who fired into an empty net from close range for his sixth of the year. 

Incredibly, this game was level six minutes later when United’s Bolger turned Sligo substitute Francely Lomboto’s ball into his own net. 

There was drama in this one right to the death. 

Bolger hit the post from a Farrell cross 90 seconds from the end of normal time, while Fitzgerald’s long range drive at the far end whistled just wide in the sixth minute of added time. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds (Harvey Lintott 60), Gareth McElroy, John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Connor Malley (Matty Wolfe 87), Jake Doyle-Hayes; Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki (Francely Lomboto HT), Owen Elding; Cian Kavanagh (Stephen Mallon 69). 

Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Elicha Ahui (Owen Lambe 68), Andy Quinn, James Bolger, Conor Keeley, Conor Kane; Paul Doyle (Ryan Brennan 5), Shane Farrell; Darragh Markey (Luke Heeney 75); Thomas Oluwa, Warren Davis (Douglas James-Taylor 68). 

Referee: Paul Norton. 

Attendance: 2,087.