Drogheda United kissed goodbye to their European dream this week and if their victory over Sligo Rovers was another farewell of sorts, it was certainly more joyous.
Douglas James-Taylor's fourth minute goal proved the difference in the end as United climbed back above Bohemians and into second place in the Premier Division.
Their quest for European qualification via the league route takes on a whole different dimension now in light of their expulsion from the UEFA Conference League this summer.
While a good display against Shamrock Rovers on Monday did not deliver a positive result, they displayed a determination and rigour against Sligo that will likely form the backbone of the remainder of their season.
James-Taylor hadn't hit an open play goal of any description since his header in the FAI Cup semi-final last October. He has battled with a thigh injury this term though and his early strike against Sligo Rovers as just his second of the season.
His loan spell ends in just 10 days time. The striker belongs to United’s sister club Walsall and has certainly been one of the positives of their multi-club model involvement.
If this was to his final home outing for the club, he provided a memorable send-off. There were just three minutes on the clock when Warren Davis harried Jad Hakiki off the ball and midfield and scurried forward.
Somehow, there were no more in the opening 45 minutes. Davis failed to get a shot on target from eight yards when teed up by his strike-partner and Andy Quinn curled an effort just over the bar.
In first half injury time, Conor Kane rattled the joint of crossbar and post. That was soon after a 60-yard run from Quinn that ended with James-Taylor poking a shot just wide of the goal.
Sligo – who lost Gareth McElroy to concussion – played their part in a pulsating first half too. Wilson Waweru’s near post flick was saved by Luke Dennison and then the Drogs goalkeeper was behind Owen Elding’s shot from Will Fitzgerald’s pull back.
John Russell’s team were producing quick, incisive play in dangerous areas. United’s defence was being made to work hard for their clean sheet. They had the best chance of the opening minutes of the second half. Will Fitzgerald’s volley was scooped over the bar by United’s Californian stopper.
Later on, both Hakiki and substitute Cian Kavanagh were guilty of failing to find the target when on each occasion, the net should have rippled. Both were especially damning on a night when a good Bit O’Red display was undermined by misfortune and misfire in front of goal.
As expected, Drogheda owner and co-chairman Ben Boycott was present at the game. He addressed Kevin Doherty and his players in light of their UEFA Conference League expulsion.
The Trivela Group CEO was also seen speaking to supporters prior to kick-off, likely offering apologies and assurances in equal measure. His team at least demonstrated that for failings off the pitch, they are still motoring along nicely on it.
Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; George Cooper, Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn; Kieran Cruise (Darragh Markey, 46), Luke Heeney, Shane Farrell, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan; Douglas James-Taylor, Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa, 79).
Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds, Gareth McElroy (Kyle McDonagh, 35), John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Jake Doyle-Hayes, Stephen Mallon (Oskar Van Hattum, 69); Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki (Francely Lomboto, 83), Will Fitzgerald; Wilson Waweru (Cian Kavanagh, 69).
Referee: Paul Norton
