Sligo Rovers are in Sports Direct FAI Cup First Round action on Friday night with a trip to Weavers Park to take on Drogheda United.

The game kicks off at 7.45pm.

Games with Drogheda United always prove to be tightly contested ones and tomorrow’s game is expected to be no different in front of a large crowd at the Drogheda venue.

Rovers Manager John Russell is excited to begin a new Cup campaign:

”We are up against a very difficult opponent in Drogheda United.

”We have yet to beat them this year in the league and their home form is always good.

”However, we come into the game on the back of three good performances”.

The game will be live on LOI TV and Bit O’ Red supporters travelling to the game can buy tickets online now here: https://eventlist.store/droghedaunitedfc/dufcawaytickets?ftredirect=1

Russell says his side must be ready for a tough game and bring recent performances into Friday’s tie:

”The players know the importance of this game and what a cup run means for the team, the club and the supporters.

”The FAI Cup is a special competition and we’re expecting a big away support on the night. Hopefully we can give our fans a top performance”.

In team news, Rovers will be without the injured Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne and Reece Hutchinson. Boylan is expected to be out for the season while Byrne is a few weeks away and Hutchinson due to return to training in the next fortnight.

Garry Buckley is nearing a return to the matchday squad after his ACL injury and James Finnerty is also close, after returning to training following an achilles problem picked up in April.

We wish all Sligo Rovers supporters a safe journey to the game.