Back-to-back wins for Sligo Rovers as Bit o' Red hold off Drogheda United

Sligo Rovers put clear daylight between themselves and the relegation spots as they held on in a scrappy encounter to see off Drogheda United at the Showgrounds.

A Matthew O'Brien own goal was followed up by a Connor Malley strike as Rovers led at the break. Former Sligo player Jack Keaney ensured a nervous second half for the Bit O'Red when he pulled one back for United within the opening minute of the second period.

Sligo, who announced the signing of former Derry and Bohs winger Stephen Mallon at half time, held on to record their second win in four days.

The hosts were the form side coming into this one with just one defeat in their last five games, which included a draw away to title-chasing Derry City and a defeat of league leaders Shelbourne at Tolka Park last Friday.

Visitors Drogheda had managed to pick up just the one win in their last five matches and were without skipper Gary Deegan and influential playmaker Darragh Markey.

Kevin Doherty's charges found themselves two behind at the break despite passing up a handful of great chances to score in the opening 45.

Deputy captain Ryan Brennan got his co-ordinates all wrong eight minutes in when he headed wide with his back to goal from just a few yards out and Sligo made the visitors pay on 18 minutes when they went ahead.

Stefan Radosavljevic's rocketing set piece was pushed onto the crossbar by an unfortunate Andy Wogan in the United goal. The ball bounced off the back of the Drogheda goalkeeper before landing at the feet of Malley whose shot from the angle cannoned off O'Brien before hitting the net.

Evan Weir probably should have levelled proceedings as the Louth side passed up another goal-scoring chance on 24 minutes - the full-back latching on to Frantz Pierrot's