Sligo Rovers won at home for the third straight league game on Saturday night with goals from Frank Liivak and Aidan Keena sealing three points for John Russell’s side.

A miserable evening made for a quick playing surface and this helped Rovers early on as Lewis Banks picked up possession from Paddy Kirk’s excellent cross field pass. Banks found Frank Liivak on the right hand side and the Estonian dribbled toward the penalty area and played a wonderful one-two with Max Mata before finishing into the bottom corner to give Rovers an early lead.

Both sides looked to score the second goal and both had half chances as the half went on but neither ‘keeper had any major saves to make and the game remained 1-0 at half time.

The visitors came out the slightly better team at the start of the second half and created one or two more half chances, most notably through Dean Williams who couldn’t convert from inside the penalty area, shooting straight at the impressive Luke McNicholas.

Kailin Barlow and Niall Morahan were introduced by John Russell on the hour mark as Rovers looked to get a foot hold in the game. The Bit O’ Red had long periods of possession and looked to attack at every opportunity but the final ball was sometimes lacking. Aidan Keena and Will Fitzgerald were potent in attack with Fitzgerald going close with a shot from the left and Keena testing goalkeeper Colin McCabe.

Colm Horgan returned from injury on 65 minutes in place of Cameron Evans, a welcome return for the Galway man who has missed out since injuring his hamstring against Bala Town back in July.

It was in the 75th minute that Rovers had the chance to double their lead. A Rovers’ free kick from the right was heading toward the head of Nando Pijnaker but the New Zealander was shoved in the back and referee Alan Patchell pointed to the penalty spot. Aidan Keena blasted home from twelve yards much to the delight of the home supporters.

Drogheda kept going and tried their best to get back into the game but The Bit O’ Red saw it out well in the closing stages and earned an important three points.

Next up is a trip to Tolka Park on Friday night to take on Shelbourne at 7.45pm.