LEAGUE OF IRELAND: Drogheda Utd 0 Sligo Rovers 0AN OPEN free-flowing exciting first half was followed by a forgettable second 45 minutes in Drogheda last night. However, it was referee Richie Winter who took centre stage as he sent off two Sligo players and banished their manager Paul Cook to the stand in the closing seconds.
Basement side Drogheda failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage and must feel disappointed that they didn’t go on to pick up their first win of the season. Sligo enjoyed the better of the chances during the opening quarter as Alan Keane saw his shot saved by Steve Williams and Rafael Cretaro wrong-footed defender Ian Ryan before racing to the edge of the Drogheda box where he drove his shot narrowly wide.
However, as the clock ticked on the home side were in the ascendancy but couldn’t find the net. Towards the middle of the half debutant William Woods, Paul Shiels and finally James Chambers combined for the latter, who saw his half volley deflected wide.
Woods’ shot was saved by an alert Richard Brush in the visitors’ goal, Gavin Whelan’s goal-bound pile driver was headed from the line by Gavin Peers and Whelan was then denied by Brush who stopped his fine effort from distance.
The main talking point of the half was reserved for the final minute when Sligo were reduced to 10 men as Danny Ventre saw red for a very poor challenge on Jamie Duffy.
The pace dropped considerably in the second half as Drogheda failed to make use of the extra man. Indeed it was Sligo who looked the more likely to pounce on the break which they almost did when Cretaro’s incisive run towards goal was brought to a halt by Robbie Clarke’s saving tackle.
Eight minutes from time Rovers were down to nine when Owen Morrison, who was earlier cautioned for dissent, lunged in at Gavin Whelan and was duly given his marching orders by referee Winter.
DROGHEDA: Williams, Ryan (Salmon 75), Clarke, Kenna, McNally, Shiels, Whelan, Chambers, Duffy, Woods (Foley 60), O'Connor (King 78).
SLIGO: Brush, Keane, Peers, Ventre, Holmes, Morrison, Ryan, Torpey (Feeney h/t), Doherty(Cash 42), Cretaro, Boco.
Referee: R Winter (Dublin).
