Sligo Rovers face Drogheda United on Friday evening in our final away match of the first series of games in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

The teams last met in 2017 when Rovers avoid relegation in a season where three teams went down, including the Boynesiders.

United have firmly established themselves in the top flight with two wins and draws from their seven games so far, as well as unfortunate defeat to champions Shamrock Rovers.

Rovers suffered a first defeat of the season last week to Derry, 1-0, and also the first time we have failed to score this season.

But the Bit O’ Red have been in fine form in 2021, particularly winning three on the bounce away from home.

In team news, Danny Kane remains out. David Cawley will have a late fitness test.

Liam Buckley said: “It was a disappointing game overall last week. There was nothing in it, with very little created from either side. A penalty won in it and we’re looking forward to moving on from that and trying to get a better performance. I’ve no doubt there will be some hurting from losing that game.

“It is important to move on and try to respond. Teams will lose games in this league, it is the nature. I know Shamrock Rovers are on a long unbeaten run but you can be sure results will go all sorts of ways over the course of the season. We have the ability in the group here to win games.

“Drogheda have had a fantastic opening to the year. We know about their shape, how they play and all of that. We need to be a lot better than last week, we’re under no illusions on what is needed here.

“It is a busy time with three games in a week again but we’re just looking forward to the opportunity to move on from that week and give a good account of ourselves.”