Ryan Brennan, a goalscorer the last time Drogheda United and Sligo Rovers met in the FAI Cup, was the matchwinner at Weavers Park as Kevin Doherty's team deservedly booked their place in the second round.
Ten years ago, these two sides contested the showpiece final at the Aviva Stadium, with Sligo running out late winners of a dramatic five-goal thriller. That game included two injury-time goals, scored by Brennan and Anthony Elding respectively.
The youngest Brennan brother began this game, a decade on, leading the line for Drogheda.
Elding’s 17-year-old son Owen took his place among the Sligo substitutes, awaiting a first appearance in this competition. His father hit three goals en route to the Bit O’Red’s 2013 success. There was no late intervention this time however.
Max Mata’s first-half penalty had been cancelled out by Adam Foley by the team Brennan struck from 12 yards himself.
Danny Lafferty was dismissed for a clash with Kyle Robinson in the area and once the spot-kick was converted, the game was up.
Doherty started the same XI that beat UCD a week ago, with his three summer signings – including newest arrival Luke Wade Slater – in reserve. Sligo replaced Will Fitzgerald with Estonian Frank Liivak.
The home side enjoyed the best of the first half, creating numerous chances against John Russell’s side but failing to make them count.
Both Dayle Rooney and Adam Foley threatened on more than one occasion, with Luke McNicholas twice called into action. Nando Pijnaker and, inadvertently, Conor Keeley blocked goalbound efforts.
Sligo hardly caused teenage goalkeeper Andrew Wogan a concern before David Dunne awarded the spot kick. Gary Deegan tripped Faroe Islands international Stefan Radosavljevic and Max Mata converted for his 12th of the campaign and a first in this competition.
Brennan had two glimpses on goal before the break but his moment would arrive.
Drogheda’s equaliser came via Adam Foley, as in-form as any striker in the League of Ireland at the moment. From Rooney’s cross, his header was saved but the rebound beat McNicholas.
Pijnaker hit the crossbar with a fine cushioned volley in a rare frightful moment for United.
When Lafferty clashed with Robinson late on, Dunne was quick to brandish red. He will miss next week’s league clash as Sligo visit Boyneside once again.
Brennan scored the penalty, finding the net just as he did a decade earlier. This time it sealed victory and perhaps set Drogheda off on another memorable Cup run.
Drogheda United: Andrew Wogan; Luke Heeney, Emmanuel Adegboyega, Conor Keeley, Evan Weir; Gary Deegan, Darragh Noone (Kyle Robinson, 77); Adam Foley, Darragh Markey, Dayle Rooney; Ryan Brennan.
Sligo Rovers: Luke McNicholas; Johan Brannefalk, John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker, Danny Lafferty; Greg Bolger, Niall Morahan; Frank Liivak (Pedro Martelo, 71), Kailan Barlow (Garry Buckley, 71); Stefan Radosavljevic; Max Mata.
Referee: David Dunne
