Drogheda United and Sligo Rovers played out a largely forgettable scoreless stalemate at Head In The Game Park, a result that extends both sides unbeaten sequences to five and four games respectively.
Neither side did enough to warrant taking all three points in truth, so it is hard to argue against a share of the spoils at the end of an encounter that won't live long in the memory of either home or travelling supporters.
Adam Foley had United’s best chance late on but his shot went wide of Ed McGinty’s goal. He was one of a trio of changes that the hosts made in the second half, which did swing the game in their favour, but not ultimately the result.
Will Fitzgerald will wonder how did not win it at the death for Sligo but his close-range shot was deflected just wide.
Drogs boss Kevin Doherty brought Gary Deegan and Luke Heeney back into his starting line-up after suspensions. However, he was without Dylan Grimes and striker Chris Lyons was deemed fit enough only for a place on the bench.
Sligo had to do without both Garry Buckley and Nando Pijnaker, so Colm Horgan deputised in an unfamiliar position in the centre of defence.
The Bit O’Red had enjoyed the better of the recent meetings of the sides – including a comprehensive three-goal win on their previous visit to Head In The Game Park back in April.
However, two straight home wins before the international break – coupled with the creditable draw away against Derry a week ago – means United have eyes on keeping pace with the teams above them in the table, a group of sides spearheaded by Sligo in fifth.
John Russell’s team's recent away record – three successive defeats and just one victory in seven trips – meant nothing could be taken for granted on Boyneside.
Despite losing on-loan duo Sam Long and Sean Roughan this month, the returns to fitness of Adam Foley and Darragh Markey gives Doherty more viable options in attacking areas.
The first half was a non-event in terms of goalmouth action and it was no surprise when referee Neil Doyle blew the whistle for half-time with the match scoreless.
Nine-goal striker Aidan Keena was involved in both brief glimpses Sligo had in front of goal.
He robbed Dane Massey of the ball in the area and squared but Evan Weir was on hand to clear with the goal gaping. Later, Keena latched onto Ed McGinty’s forward ball but he couldn’t direct his effort on target.
Sligo began the second half in more aggressive fashion and did go close minutes after the restart. Will Fitzgerald stole the ball from Andrew Quinn and raced into the area. His touch took the ball away from him however and Luke Heeney made a well-timed recovery tackle.
Foley, Darragh Markey and Chris Lyons all came on and United sparked into life from the midway point of the second half onwards. They carried almost all of the threat and Lyons and Darragh Nugent forced saves from McGinty, albeit comfortable ones.
Markey then slipped Foley in but his effort was off-target. Max Mata planted a header over the bar and Fitzgerald will rue his missed opportunity late on.
Drogheda United: Colin McCabe; Luke Heeney, Andrew Quinn, Evan Weir, Dane Massey; James Clarke (Adam Foley, 66), Gary Deegan; Darragh Nugent, Ryan Brennan, Dayle Rooney (Darragh Markey, 72); Dean Williams (Chris Lyons, 74).
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, Lewis Banks, Shane Blaney, Paddy Kirk; Niall Morahan (David Cawley, 65), Adam McDonnell; Karl O’Sullivan (Cillian Heaney, 71), Aidan Keena, Will Fitzgerald; Max Mata.
Referee: Neil Doyle
