Drogheda remains an unhappy hunting ground for Sligo Rovers, after the Bit O’Red extended their winless run at the newly named Lambe and Sullivan Park following a three goal defeat on Friday night.

Goals from United’s Josh Thomas, Darragh Markey and Luke Heeney means Rovers haven’t won at the County Louth venue since 2022. 

Manager John Russell gave first starts to two recent arrivals. Midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes and full back Harvey Lintott both in the starting eleven for the first time, his only changes from the opening night against Waterford. While Ronan Manning made his first team debut as a second half substitute.

Drogs had the lead three minutes from the interval. Shane Farrell assisting Welsh striker Thomas for the opener. 

Rovers looked more settled in the early period of the second half but fell further behind on 74 when Markey had United two up. 

Sligo thought they’d halved the lead when Cian Kavanagh finished from the angle, only for the referee’s assistant to rule him offside although replays suggest the decision may have been harsh. 

Heeney finished the evening with a drilled effort past Sam Sargeant late on. 

Rovers’ next game is our Premier Division clash with St Pat’s at Richmond Park on Friday, February 28th. Kick-off 7.45pm.

Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Andrew Quinn, Conor Keeley, James Bolger; Owen Lambe, Shane Farrell, Ryan Brennan (Luke Heeney, 89), Conor Kane; Darragh Markey; Zishim Bawa (Thomas Oluwa 62), Josh Thomas (Warren Davis, 72).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Harvey Lintott (Oskar Van Hattum, 69), Ollie Denham, John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Jad Hakiki (Ronan Manning, 84), Jake Doyle-Hayes (Francely Lomboto, 69), Conor Malley; Will Fitzgerald, Owen Elding; Cian Kavanagh.

Referee: David Dunne