Sligo Rovers make the trip to Weaver’s Park this Friday evening for the second time this season to take on Drogheda United in a crucial Premier Division clash, kick-off 7.45pm.

Following FAI Cup disappointment against UCD last Saturday at the Showgrounds, attention reverts to the league campaign where the Bit O’Red are in fantastic form with five wins in their last six league games.

Friday’s clash will be Rovers’ third game against Kevin Doherty’s outfit in 2024. Rovers beat Drogs in both Premier Division meetings between the sides at the Showgrounds this year in March and June. While it was United who came away with the spoils following Sligo’s last visit to Weaver’s Park back in April.

In team news, Connor Malley returns to the squad having missed that defeat to the Students last weekend. While both Nando Pijnaker and Ollie Denham will be assessed before the game having picked up knocks in the same game.

Winger Stephen Mallon will not travel due an injury sustained during the week. John Mahon and Conor Reynolds are some way off a return.

Manager John Russell will serve the third of a three game ban, meaning Rovers will again be led from the line by assistant manager Ryan Casey. 

Russell reveals that his players are still hurting having been knocked out of the cup, but wants his squad to use that disappointment as the fuel required to spur them on in the north east.

“We saw last week that if you don’t show up and be at it from the start, then you will get turned over and that goes for any team in this league, both divisions. 

“Drogheda have already beaten us this year so we know we cannot afford to be anything but fully focused and prepared for this game. They are only two points off Dundalk and they know a few points will push them up the table as the league is so tight. It’s a home game for them in front of their own fans and they’ll really be up for this one. So it’s going to be tough for us but the players are keen to get going and forget about the UCD game. The best way to recover from a loss is to win your next game. 

“We want to keep this league run going. The players have been excellent in the league lately and we’re delighted with how they have performed and the wins they have picked up so we want to keep that feeling rolling into Drogheda and beyond.”

David Goulden