Sligo Rovers clinical first-half display put Drogheda United to the sword at Head In The Game Park and ensured their own unbeaten start to the Premier Division season remains intact.
Lewis Banks, Jordan Hamilton and Will Fitzgerald's goals – all coming in a 28 minute spell in the opening 45 minutes – secured the victory. It was a win that was all the more impressive given Sligo were without several key players by virtue of illness or non-selection.
Liam Buckley’s side arrived at Head In The Game Park having drawn five of their last seven league games against United, including their last three visits to Boyneside, dating back five years.
A record of just two wins in their last 10 away trips in league competition didn’t bode particularly well for the Bit O’Red’s hopes but they did emerge victorious at Richmond Park two weeks earlier.
Both goal scorers from that game – Keena and Colm Horgan – were in reserve.
David Cawley and Aidan Keena also dropped out with Hamilton and New Zealand cap Max Mata came in.
Kevin Doherty made two changes to his starting line-up. Chris Lyons, a two-goal hero against UCD last week, was missing through illness. Adam Foley took his place while on-loan Lincoln City goalkeeper Sam Long made his debut.
Sligo hit the front inside seven minutes. Fitzgerald’s corner was glanced on and Banks headed in unmarked. It was just Sligo’s third goal of the season, two of which have come from full-backs.
Drogs’ boss Doherty will have been especially irked by how his side allowed two uncontested Sligo headers from that corner – and more so as the half wore on and the hosts were unable to unduly worry Sligo in search of a leveller.
The visitors looked more likely and after Long saved from Karl O’Sullivan, they doubled the lead. After Adam McDonnell’s free kick was cleared, Sligo recycled the ball. Mata clipped in a cross from the left and Hamilton produced a near post header.
It was the Canadian’s first goal in League of Ireland football in his first start for his new team. The 25-year-old hit 11 goals in 53 appearances for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer prior to his arrival at the Showgrounds.
All Drogheda had to show for their efforts was a James Clarke header that Brush handily prevented from dropping under his crossbar. The decision to start two strikers meant United ceded the midfield for the most part, offering Sligo impetus and ultimately control.
Fitzgerald produced the game’s outstanding moment for Sligo’s third. He was found in acres of room on the left flank. His thunderous strike from the 18-yard line found the roof of the net and left Long flailing.
Clarke did hit the post for Drogheda in response but the blew their big chance to get back in the game after the restart. Garry Buckley handled and referee Paul McLaughlin awarded the penalty.
Georgie Poynton curled his spot kick wide of Brush’s left hand upright. That ended any lingering, but unlikely, hopes of a comeback.
Drogheda United: Sam Long; Sean Roughan, Mark Hughes, Dane Massey; Georgie Poynton, Gary Deegan, James Clarke (Dayle Rooney, 46), Evan Weir (Keith Cowan, 46); Darragh Markey (Darragh Nugent, 46); Adam Foley (Dylan Grimes, 73), Dean Williams (Killian Cailloce, 89).
Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush; Lewis Banks, Garry Buckley (Shane Blaney, 59), Nando Pijnaker, Paddy Kirk; Adam McDonnell (David Cawley, 79), Niall Morahan; Will Fitzgerald, Karl O’Sullivan (Mark Byrne, 79); Jordan Hamilton (Seamas Keogh, 66), Max Mata (Aidan Keena, 66).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
