Drogheda United 0 Sligo rovers 4

A convincing 4-0 win for Sligo against-ten man Drogheda United gives Rovers a real lifeline in the relegation battle and pushes Drogheda further down into the mire.

The game was decided early on with a controversial red card decision in the 26th minute. Robert Bayly tripped Jason Hughes who had broken through and referee Ray Matthews inexplicably brandished a red card.

Sixty seconds later and Drogheda’s misery was further compounded as Sligo hit the front, Hughes crossed and Morten Nielsen headed home from the six yard box. Sligo’s second came courtesy of a mix-up as Alan Byrne and Sean Thorton left the ball behind them and Hughes nipped in to go through on goal and coolly finish, his first goal for Sligo.

Earlier Drogheda looked to be very much on top, Lee Duffy had two chances, both saved. After the restart Nielsen was gifted a chance to score by a wayward Schlingermann clearance but his control let him down.

The Dane made no mistake two minutes later though when he converted from another Russell cross. Substitute Anthony Elding’s penalty completed the rout.

Drogheda United: Schlingermann, O'Brien (McKenna 55), Byrne, O'Reilly, Daly, Whelan (Maher 30), Thornton, Bayly, Marks, Pender, Duffy (Hughes 72)

Subs Not Used: Farrell, Gorman, Brennan, Seery

Sligo Rovers: Brush, Keane, Peers, Clancy, Donelon, Cretaro (Elding 75), Boylan, Russell (Ward 72), Hughes, Puri, Nielsen (Corcoran 75)

Subs Not Used: Coulter, Lenan , Armstrong, Nzuzi

Referee: Ray Matthews (Westmeath)