Clinical first-half display sets Sligo on their way

Sligo Rovers clinical first-half display put Drogheda United to the sword at Head In The Game Park and ensured their own unbeaten start to the Premier Division season remains intact.

Lewis Banks, Jordan Hamilton and Will Fitzgerald's goals – all coming in a 28 minute spell in the opening 45 minutes – secured the victory. It was a win that was all the more impressive given Sligo were without several key players by virtue of illness or non-selection.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

Liam Buckley’s side arrived at Head In The Game Park having drawn five of their last seven league games against United, including their last three visits to Boyneside, dating back five years.

A record of just two wins in their last 10 away trips in league competition didn’t bode particularly well for the Bit O’Red’s hopes but they did emerge victorious at Richmond Park two weeks earlier.

Both goal scorers from that game – Keena and Colm Horgan – were in reserve.

David Cawley and Aidan Keena also dropped out with Hamilton and New Zealand cap Max Mata came in.

Kevin Doherty made two changes to his starting line-up. Chris Lyons, a two-goal hero against UCD last week, was missing through illness. Adam Foley took his place while on-loan Lincoln City goalkeeper Sam Long made his debut.

Sligo hit the front inside seven minutes. Fitzgerald’s corner was glanced on and Banks headed in unmarked. It was just Sligo’s third goal of the season, two of which have come from full-backs.

Drogs’ boss Doherty will have been especially irked by how his side allowed two uncontested Sligo headers from that corner – and more so as the half wore on and the hosts were unable to unduly worry Sligo in search of a leveller.

The visitors looked more likely and after Long saved from Karl O’Sullivan,