SOCCER/Sligo Rovers 2 Drogheda U 0:JOHN DILLON scored in each half as Sligo Rovers got their first home win of the season at the Showgrounds last night.

Dillon scored the crucial second goal in the 58th minute after a John Russell shot came back off the woodwork.

Drogheda sprayed the ball around with purpose in the opening minutes of the first half but Rovers made the breakthrough in the third minute when Dillon rattled David Quirke’s net after the goalkeeper kept a Richie Ryan effort out.

Colin O’Brien went close for the visitors after six minutes as Mick Cooke’s side went in search of a quick equaliser.

Raffaele Cretaro almost caught Drogheda napping on 12 minutes but the visitors’ defence held firm.

Drogheda missed a gilt-edged chance to level in the 17th minute when David Freeman blasted wide from an O’Brien cross at the end of a textbook move.

Sligo were awarded a penalty after 19 minutes when Iarflaith Davoren was hauled down but a superb save by Quirke denied Alan Keane.

SLIGO ROVERS: Clarke, Keane, McGuinness Peers, Davoren, Dillon (Doyle, 69), Russell, Kirby (McGoldrick, 90), Greene, Ryan, Cretaro (Blinkoran, 69).

DROGHEDA UTD: Quirke, Quigley, Costigan (McCrossan, 32), Gannon, Whelan, Lester (Flynn, 62), M O Brien, C O’Brien, Freeman (McDonagh, 74), Corcoran, Hand.

Referee ( P Tuite) Dublin.