Sligo Rovers will be playing in the Europa League next season after a dramatic 1-0 win over St. Patricks Athletic. It was a very even encounter especialy during the first half with both sides canceling eachother out realy. The only chance of note in the first half came whem Rommy Boco was slipped through on goal by John Russell but Derek Pender got back well to make a last ditch tackell on the Benin international.
The second half was a much better spectical for the large crowd that turned out at The Showgrounds with Joseph Ndo shooting narowly over from long range within five minutes of the restart. Five minutes later Ciaran Kelly produced the save of the match when Derek Doyle shot from outside the box. Pat's best chance of the night came when they were awarded a free-kick about 20 yards from Rovers goal, Dave Mulcahy drove low but it just went passed the up right.
Then just as the game seemed as it was goig to end up as a draw Garry Mcabe made a run into the box with the ball at his feet and was taken down by a St. Pats man, Keane rifled the ball into the net past Gary Rogers.
This goal assured Rovers of a third place finish and Europa League football next season!!!! :D
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sligo Rovers vs. St. Pat's Europa legue clash!!
This is the last league game of the season for both Sligo Rovers and St. Patricks Athletic with this being the seventh time both teams have played eachother this season.
Paul Cook will have a full strength squad to pick from apart from the long term absemtees of Richard Brush and Mauro Almedia. Jim Lauchlan should return to the team after he missed last weeks game against UCD. due to suspention.
Pete Mahon will have a full strength squad to choose from. He is also very comfident coming into the fixture having said "Sligo are everybody’s form team at the moment but we beat them down there already this season in the Setanta Cup semi-final so we are well capable of getting a good result”.
If Rovers win the match they are guaranteed Europa League football next year.
This has been a brilliant year for the Bit 'o' Red so lets pack the Showgrounds and make a cracking atmosphere. Supporters are advised that a large crowd is expected and they should give plenty of time to enter the grounds. Kick-off is 7:45pm on Friday night.
Paul Cook will have a full strength squad to pick from apart from the long term absemtees of Richard Brush and Mauro Almedia. Jim Lauchlan should return to the team after he missed last weeks game against UCD. due to suspention.
Pete Mahon will have a full strength squad to choose from. He is also very comfident coming into the fixture having said "Sligo are everybody’s form team at the moment but we beat them down there already this season in the Setanta Cup semi-final so we are well capable of getting a good result”.
If Rovers win the match they are guaranteed Europa League football next year.
This has been a brilliant year for the Bit 'o' Red so lets pack the Showgrounds and make a cracking atmosphere. Supporters are advised that a large crowd is expected and they should give plenty of time to enter the grounds. Kick-off is 7:45pm on Friday night.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sligo Rovers vs. U.C.D. team news
Sligo Rovers will be without defender Jim Lauchlan for their final away game of the Airtricity Premier Division season against UCD in the UCD Bowl on Friday night.Lauchlan is suspended for the encounter so Derek Foran or Danny Ventre will come into the side.Mauro Almeida and Richard Brush are long-term absentees.
Rovers have no other injuries or suspensions to contend with.
The news coming from U.C.D. sounds like Martin Russell will be putting out a weakend side now that they are safe. That means a possible outing for the likes of striker Graham Rusk, defenders Michael Kelly and Sean Harding and midfielder Paul O’Conor.
Kick Off is at the UCD Bowl on friday at 7:45.
Rovers have no other injuries or suspensions to contend with.
The news coming from U.C.D. sounds like Martin Russell will be putting out a weakend side now that they are safe. That means a possible outing for the likes of striker Graham Rusk, defenders Michael Kelly and Sean Harding and midfielder Paul O’Conor.
Kick Off is at the UCD Bowl on friday at 7:45.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Rovers are going to the Aviva!!!!
Sligo Rovers are going to the Aviva next month after they saw off Boheimians by one goal to nil at Dailymount Park.
It was a great footballing display by Rovers who from early on got the ball down and started passing. Boheimians had the first chance of any note when Jason Byrne knocked the ball down to Paul Keegan whos shot went wildely over the bar. On the 11th minute Boco missed afantastic chance to go one up after Blinkhorn had controlled brilliantly and sent a fantastic ball to Boco but unfortunatly his chip sailed over the bar.
Boco had another chance on the 25th minute but his shot was well saved from Murphy after Boco had cut infield from the left handside.Former Sligo Rovers man Raffaele Cretaro unleashed a 25-yard effort on 24 minutes but Kelly read it well and made the save just before the Benins international effort. Bohs were forced into making a change on 34 minutes when Mark Rossiter limped off with a hamstring injury to be replaced by Crumlin youngster Roberto Lopez. This was to prove a turning point in the game as Garry Mcabe haunted the young bohs right back all night.
At the start of the second half it was obvious that Bohs lifted the intensity of their game as they were closing down Rovers much quicker, but they still couldn't retain the ball for long periods of tim like Rovers did.
Rovers enjoyed a superb spell of pressure with twenty minutes remaining, with excellent passing football and creativity.
And they were rewarded for their effort with the winning goal on 75 minutes when Peers got his head to Richie Ryan's corner and powered the ball into the bottom left corner of Murphy's net as Paul Cook's side secured their place in this year's final.
Bohemians: Murphy; Rossiter (Lopez 34 mins), Powell, Cronin, Shelley; Oman, Brennan, Keegan, McGlynn; Cretaro (Madden 73 mins), Byrne (Quigley 52 mins).
Sligo Rovers: Kelly; Keane, Davoran, Peers, Lauchlan; McCabe (Doyle 86 mins), Russell, Ryan, Ndo, Boco (Ventre 83 mins); Blinkhorn (O'Grady 90+1).
Referee: A Kelly (Cork)
Well done to the boys tonight and lets bring a huge crowd down to the Aviva on November th 14th to cheer the lads on one better than they did last year.
It was a great footballing display by Rovers who from early on got the ball down and started passing. Boheimians had the first chance of any note when Jason Byrne knocked the ball down to Paul Keegan whos shot went wildely over the bar. On the 11th minute Boco missed afantastic chance to go one up after Blinkhorn had controlled brilliantly and sent a fantastic ball to Boco but unfortunatly his chip sailed over the bar.
Boco had another chance on the 25th minute but his shot was well saved from Murphy after Boco had cut infield from the left handside.Former Sligo Rovers man Raffaele Cretaro unleashed a 25-yard effort on 24 minutes but Kelly read it well and made the save just before the Benins international effort. Bohs were forced into making a change on 34 minutes when Mark Rossiter limped off with a hamstring injury to be replaced by Crumlin youngster Roberto Lopez. This was to prove a turning point in the game as Garry Mcabe haunted the young bohs right back all night.
At the start of the second half it was obvious that Bohs lifted the intensity of their game as they were closing down Rovers much quicker, but they still couldn't retain the ball for long periods of tim like Rovers did.
Rovers enjoyed a superb spell of pressure with twenty minutes remaining, with excellent passing football and creativity.
And they were rewarded for their effort with the winning goal on 75 minutes when Peers got his head to Richie Ryan's corner and powered the ball into the bottom left corner of Murphy's net as Paul Cook's side secured their place in this year's final.
Bohemians: Murphy; Rossiter (Lopez 34 mins), Powell, Cronin, Shelley; Oman, Brennan, Keegan, McGlynn; Cretaro (Madden 73 mins), Byrne (Quigley 52 mins).
Sligo Rovers: Kelly; Keane, Davoran, Peers, Lauchlan; McCabe (Doyle 86 mins), Russell, Ryan, Ndo, Boco (Ventre 83 mins); Blinkhorn (O'Grady 90+1).
Referee: A Kelly (Cork)
Well done to the boys tonight and lets bring a huge crowd down to the Aviva on November th 14th to cheer the lads on one better than they did last year.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sligo Rovers vs. Boheimians team news
Paul Cook has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Friday nights FAI Cup Semi-Final with Bohemians at Dalymount Park
John Russell returns from a suspension that saw him miss the 4-2 win over Dundalk. Romuald Boco also missed that game due to international duty and is expected to take his place on the wing for The Bit O'Red.
As for Bohs striker Jason Byrne is fit for selectionOwen Heary (hamstring) is recovering but may not return.
Jason McGuinness (hamstring) remains out, while long-term injuries Anto Murphy and Steven Gray (both Achilles) are recovering from operations.
The match kicks off at 8:05 on friday and if you can not make it down to Phibsboro the match is live on RTE with the coverage starting at 8:00.
John Russell returns from a suspension that saw him miss the 4-2 win over Dundalk. Romuald Boco also missed that game due to international duty and is expected to take his place on the wing for The Bit O'Red.
As for Bohs striker Jason Byrne is fit for selectionOwen Heary (hamstring) is recovering but may not return.
Jason McGuinness (hamstring) remains out, while long-term injuries Anto Murphy and Steven Gray (both Achilles) are recovering from operations.
The match kicks off at 8:05 on friday and if you can not make it down to Phibsboro the match is live on RTE with the coverage starting at 8:00.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sligo Rovers vs. Dundalk match repert
Sorry for this post being so late and not having any pre-view for the match, someone hacked my account and I only received my new password today.
Sligo Rovers moved a step closer to European football for next season thanks to a thrilling 4-2 win over Dundalk at Oriel Park.
A bright start from both sides gave an indication of what was in store for the rest of game.
Sligo had the first effort at goal after eight minutes when skipper Richie Ryan curled a vicious free-kick at Peter Cherrie.
Dundalk should have been in front less than 60 seconds later when Fahrudin Kuduzovic fashioned a great opening for team-mate Tom Miller but the midfielder could only fire wide with just John Gibson to beat.
The missed opportunity was to haunt Dundalk as the Bit O'Red hit the front three minutes later.
The ball found its way to Matthew Blinkhorn via Gary McCabe and, after leaving Garry Breen for dead on the edge of the box, the Rovers number nine expertly placed the ball past Cherrie.
Dundalk hit back in spectacular fashion in the 26th minute.
Miller's cross found the head of Wayne Hatswell and his flick was turned in by Ross Gaynor's overhead kick.
Simon Madden almost deceived Gibson with a right wing delivery in the 27th minute and Gavin Peers missed a gilt-edged header to restore Sligo's lead.
Dundalk's hopes were dealt a hammer blow with two incidents in quick succession.
Hatswell saw red for a second bookable offence in the 39th minute. From the resulting free-kick, Joseph Ndo rolled the ball into Richie Ryan's path and the Rovers skipper's rasping effort left Cherrie with no chance.
The ding-dong battle continued in the second half. Dundalk again drew level when Gaynor's clever free-kick beat Gibson at his near post but just seconds later Sligo were back in front when Alan Keane sent Cherrie the wrong way from the penalty spot after McCabe had been upended by Breen.
The final word of a pulsating game came from Joseph Ndo who rolled home with 15 minutes to go after catching Miller in possession.
Dundalk: 1 Peter Cherrie; 12 Simon Madden, 5 Garry Breen (7 Stephen Maher, 60 mins), 6 Liam Burns (captain), 3 Wayne Hatswell; 21 Daniel Kearns, 14 Dean Bennett, 4 Tom Miller, 11 Ross Gaynor; 10 Matthew Tipton, 9 Fahrudin Kuduzovic.
Subs not used: 2 Shaun Kelly, 19 Johnny Breen, 20 Steven Lennon, 22 Paul Murphy (GK).
Booked: Hatswell, 24 mins; G Breen, 32 mins; Kuduzovic, 51 mins; Bennett, 80 mins.
Sent-off: Hatswell, 39 mins.
Sligo Rovers: 19 John Gibson; 2 Alan Keane, 4 Gavin Peers, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 3 Iarflaith Davoren; 21 Gary McCabe (5 Danny Ventre, 83 mins), 6 Richie Ryan (captain), 15 Joseph Ndo, 11 Eoin Doyle; 7 John Dillon (12 Conor O'Grady, 71 mins), 9 Matthew Blinkhorn (14 Mark McGoldrick, 80 mins).
Subs not used: 1 Ciaran Kelly (GK), 16 Derek Foran,.
Booked: Blinkhorn, 35 mins.
Sent-off: none.
Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).
Report courtesy of RTE.
A bright start from both sides gave an indication of what was in store for the rest of game.
Sligo had the first effort at goal after eight minutes when skipper Richie Ryan curled a vicious free-kick at Peter Cherrie.
The missed opportunity was to haunt Dundalk as the Bit O'Red hit the front three minutes later.
The ball found its way to Matthew Blinkhorn via Gary McCabe and, after leaving Garry Breen for dead on the edge of the box, the Rovers number nine expertly placed the ball past Cherrie.
Dundalk hit back in spectacular fashion in the 26th minute.
Miller's cross found the head of Wayne Hatswell and his flick was turned in by Ross Gaynor's overhead kick.
Simon Madden almost deceived Gibson with a right wing delivery in the 27th minute and Gavin Peers missed a gilt-edged header to restore Sligo's lead.
Dundalk's hopes were dealt a hammer blow with two incidents in quick succession.
Hatswell saw red for a second bookable offence in the 39th minute. From the resulting free-kick, Joseph Ndo rolled the ball into Richie Ryan's path and the Rovers skipper's rasping effort left Cherrie with no chance.
The ding-dong battle continued in the second half. Dundalk again drew level when Gaynor's clever free-kick beat Gibson at his near post but just seconds later Sligo were back in front when Alan Keane sent Cherrie the wrong way from the penalty spot after McCabe had been upended by Breen.
The final word of a pulsating game came from Joseph Ndo who rolled home with 15 minutes to go after catching Miller in possession.
Dundalk: 1 Peter Cherrie; 12 Simon Madden, 5 Garry Breen (7 Stephen Maher, 60 mins), 6 Liam Burns (captain), 3 Wayne Hatswell; 21 Daniel Kearns, 14 Dean Bennett, 4 Tom Miller, 11 Ross Gaynor; 10 Matthew Tipton, 9 Fahrudin Kuduzovic.
Subs not used: 2 Shaun Kelly, 19 Johnny Breen, 20 Steven Lennon, 22 Paul Murphy (GK).
Booked: Hatswell, 24 mins; G Breen, 32 mins; Kuduzovic, 51 mins; Bennett, 80 mins.
Sent-off: Hatswell, 39 mins.
Sligo Rovers: 19 John Gibson; 2 Alan Keane, 4 Gavin Peers, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 3 Iarflaith Davoren; 21 Gary McCabe (5 Danny Ventre, 83 mins), 6 Richie Ryan (captain), 15 Joseph Ndo, 11 Eoin Doyle; 7 John Dillon (12 Conor O'Grady, 71 mins), 9 Matthew Blinkhorn (14 Mark McGoldrick, 80 mins).
Subs not used: 1 Ciaran Kelly (GK), 16 Derek Foran,.
Booked: Blinkhorn, 35 mins.
Sent-off: none.
Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).
Report courtesy of RTE.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sligo Rovers vs. Bray Wanderers match report
A 90th minute penalty converted by Alan Keane saw Sligo Rovers come from behind to beat Bray Wanderers at The Showgrounds.
Keane drilled home his second spot-kick in two games after substitute Eoin Doyle had been fouled inside the area in a dramatic finale.
Bray had taken the lead through Gary Dempsey's superb 69th minute free-kick, before Matthew Blinkhorn levelled with a header on 76 minutes, and Keane won it from the spot with Dave Webster sent-off for arguing the penalty decision.
Rovers were given a boost before kick-off, when Romuald Boco passed a fitness test on his injured ankle and was cleared to play, allowing Paul Cook to name an unchanged side from that which defeated Drogheda last weekend.
Bray keeper Matt Gregg also passed a fitness test to start, but Jake Kelly, John Mulroy, Sean Houston and Stephen Brennan all missed out through injury.
Boco had the first chance inside the opening minute when he was set loose close to goal, but his attempted chip missed the target.
Rovers did have the ball in the net on eight minutes, but Gary McCabe was offside when he latched onto John Russell's through-ball and finished.
Sligo keeper John Gibson was also called into action in a lively opening, when he dived at the feet of Ian Tuohy to make the save.
Russell went close to breaking the deadlock on the 20th minute mark, when he turned his man and fired narrowly wide at the edge of the area.
Blinkhorn tried to hoodwink the officials with a Maradona-style handball when challenging for a high Keane delivery on 33 minutes, but got only a booking off referee Derek Tomney for his efforts.
But it was Bray that had the opening half's best chance, when Danny O'Connor and Tuohy combined to pick out Dean Zambra inside the area, and his shot came back off the post.
Rovers' best chance of the half shortly after when McCabe was put through one-on-one with Matt Gregg, but the netminder got an important touch to deny the former Bray winger.
Rovers enjoyed a bright start to the second half, with Boco forcing a decent save from Gregg with a skilful shot after he flicked the ball up for himself at the edge of the area.
Joseph Ndo's resultant corner was only cleared as far as Richie Ryan outside the box, and his low shot narrowly missed the target.
But Bray took the lead against the run of play on 69 minutes, when Ryan was penalised for a foul on Chris Shields at the edge of the box, and Dempsey curled the ball into the top corner.
But the response from the home side was excellent, with McCabe crossing from the right on 76 minutes, and Blinkhorn rising highest to steer the ball past Gregg for a deserved equaliser.
The striker had the ball in the net against five minutes later, but Russell was offside when he raced onto Ndo's pass in the build-up.
But Rovers secured the win when Keane kept his nerve to dispatch the spot-kick to the bottom corner of the net.
Sligo Rovers: 19 John Gibson; 2 Alan Keane, 4 Gavin Peers, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 3 Iarfhlaith Davoren; 21 Gary McCabe, 6 Richie Ryan (Captain), 8 John Russell, 15 Joseph Ndo, 18 Romuald Boco (11 Eoin Doyle 68); 9 Matthew Blinkhorn.
Subs not used: 1 Ciaran Kelly, 5 Danny Ventre, 7 John Dillon, 12 Conor O'Grady.
Booked: Blinkhorn (31), Ryan (72).
Bray Wanderers: 1 Matt Gregg; 2 Dave Webster, 4 Adam Mitchell, 5 Derek Prendergast, 3 Dane Massey; 7 Dean Zambra, 6 Gary Dempsey, 8 Danny O'Connor (Captain), 10 Daire Doyle, 11 Ian Tuohy (17 Shane O'Neill 87); 9 Chris Shields.
Subs not used: 12 Colm Tresson, 14 Graham Kelly, 15 Nicky Byrne.
Booked: Doyle (39), Webster (90, 90+1).
Sent-Off: Webster (90+1)
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).
Keane drilled home his second spot-kick in two games after substitute Eoin Doyle had been fouled inside the area in a dramatic finale.
Bray had taken the lead through Gary Dempsey's superb 69th minute free-kick, before Matthew Blinkhorn levelled with a header on 76 minutes, and Keane won it from the spot with Dave Webster sent-off for arguing the penalty decision.
Bray keeper Matt Gregg also passed a fitness test to start, but Jake Kelly, John Mulroy, Sean Houston and Stephen Brennan all missed out through injury.
Boco had the first chance inside the opening minute when he was set loose close to goal, but his attempted chip missed the target.
Rovers did have the ball in the net on eight minutes, but Gary McCabe was offside when he latched onto John Russell's through-ball and finished.
Sligo keeper John Gibson was also called into action in a lively opening, when he dived at the feet of Ian Tuohy to make the save.
Russell went close to breaking the deadlock on the 20th minute mark, when he turned his man and fired narrowly wide at the edge of the area.
Blinkhorn tried to hoodwink the officials with a Maradona-style handball when challenging for a high Keane delivery on 33 minutes, but got only a booking off referee Derek Tomney for his efforts.
But it was Bray that had the opening half's best chance, when Danny O'Connor and Tuohy combined to pick out Dean Zambra inside the area, and his shot came back off the post.
Rovers' best chance of the half shortly after when McCabe was put through one-on-one with Matt Gregg, but the netminder got an important touch to deny the former Bray winger.
Rovers enjoyed a bright start to the second half, with Boco forcing a decent save from Gregg with a skilful shot after he flicked the ball up for himself at the edge of the area.
Joseph Ndo's resultant corner was only cleared as far as Richie Ryan outside the box, and his low shot narrowly missed the target.
But Bray took the lead against the run of play on 69 minutes, when Ryan was penalised for a foul on Chris Shields at the edge of the box, and Dempsey curled the ball into the top corner.
But the response from the home side was excellent, with McCabe crossing from the right on 76 minutes, and Blinkhorn rising highest to steer the ball past Gregg for a deserved equaliser.
The striker had the ball in the net against five minutes later, but Russell was offside when he raced onto Ndo's pass in the build-up.
But Rovers secured the win when Keane kept his nerve to dispatch the spot-kick to the bottom corner of the net.
Sligo Rovers: 19 John Gibson; 2 Alan Keane, 4 Gavin Peers, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 3 Iarfhlaith Davoren; 21 Gary McCabe, 6 Richie Ryan (Captain), 8 John Russell, 15 Joseph Ndo, 18 Romuald Boco (11 Eoin Doyle 68); 9 Matthew Blinkhorn.
Subs not used: 1 Ciaran Kelly, 5 Danny Ventre, 7 John Dillon, 12 Conor O'Grady.
Booked: Blinkhorn (31), Ryan (72).
Bray Wanderers: 1 Matt Gregg; 2 Dave Webster, 4 Adam Mitchell, 5 Derek Prendergast, 3 Dane Massey; 7 Dean Zambra, 6 Gary Dempsey, 8 Danny O'Connor (Captain), 10 Daire Doyle, 11 Ian Tuohy (17 Shane O'Neill 87); 9 Chris Shields.
Subs not used: 12 Colm Tresson, 14 Graham Kelly, 15 Nicky Byrne.
Booked: Doyle (39), Webster (90, 90+1).
Sent-Off: Webster (90+1)
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).
Sligo Rovers vs. Bray Wanderers preview
Saturday's 2-1 win for Sligo over Drogheda saw the Bit O'Red leapfrog St Patrick's Athletic into third, though it is only goal difference that separates the sides at this point.
Rovers boss Paul Cook must plan for the absence of Romauld Boco after the Benin international damaged ankle ligaments during the weekend match. The 25-year-old will undergo a scan on the injury this week.
The manager will be hoping for a positive reaction from the crowd after he accused a 'small minority' of them of being persistently negative.
Bray will be buoyed by the point they picked up at Bohemians on Friday, though they arguably should have come away with all three points from a game in which the Gypsies finished with nine men.
Hamstring victims Jake Kelly and John Mulroy are still on the treatment table and will not make the trip west. Stephen Brennan missed the game with Bohs due to an ankle injury and is not expected to recover in time, while Sean Houston is a definite non-starter after sustaining cruciate ligament damage at Dalymount.
The Seagulls will make a late call on the fitness of goalkeeper Matt Gregg after he injured his shoulder in a heavy fall on Friday. Brian Kane will deputise if necessary.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Sligo Rovers vs. Drogheda United match report
McCabe smashed home Jim Lauchlan's knockdown as Rovers leapfrogged St Pat's and Sporting Fingal.
Rovers took the lead through Alan Keane's first half penalty, after Matthew Blinkhorn was fouled in the area.
Rovers changed their starting 11 for the first time in four games, with John Gibson starting in goal in place of Ciaran Kelly and McCabe returning from international duty with the Irish U23s.
Browne was without Glen Fitzpatrick because of suspension and Brendan McGill because of injury, but Eric McGill and Ryan Brennan returned from bans.
Jamie Harris and John Flood also came into the team beaten by Sporting Fingal last time out.
The opening quarter featured little of note bar an early booking for former Rovers player Darren Meenan.
Drogheda striker Peter McMahon saw a shot charged down by Gavin Peers, while Jim Lauchlan almost directed Richie Ryan's stinging free-kick to the net on 17 minutes.
But Rovers looked the more threatening and made the breakthrough on 26 minutes.
Joseph Ndo fed John Russell down the left, and when he picked out Blinkhorn in the area, the striker was tripped by Drogheda captain Alan McNally.
Keane confidently sent Robert Duggan the wrong way from the spot.
Rovers full-back Iarfhlaith Davoren also went down in the area just a minute later, but this time the tackle from Meenan was assured.
Blinkhorn had a good chance soon after, but Romuald Boco's cross had just too much for pace for the EA Sports Cup final hero.
Meenan found a little space down the right on 42 minutes, but his cross looking for John Flood was expertly dealt with by Gavin Peers.
Rovers were less convincing on the next Meenan cross on the stroke of half-time, and Jim Lauchlan had to make a good block to deny Flood a shot on goal.
McCabe was prominent for Rovers at the start of the second half, and Russell really should have done better than scoop the ball over the top when McCabe's low cross picked him out in the area.
But Drogheda claimed a bizarre equaliser on the hour-mark, when McGill's floated ball into the area deceived Rovers keeper John Gibson and dropped into the net.
Rovers had two great chances to edge ahead again over the next 20 minutes.
Firstly Blinkhorn could only turn McCabe's low cross the wrong side of the post from close range, and then McCabe himself missed the target when put through by Ndo's smart pass.
But McCabe eventually delivered with nine minutes left, after he smashed a volley into the top corner when Lauchlan headed Ndo's free-kick into his path.
Sligo Rovers: John Gibson; Alan Keane, Gavin Peers, Jim Lauchlan, Iarfhlaith Davoren; Romuald Boco ( John Dillon HT), Richie Ryan, John Russell, Joseph Ndo, Gary McCabe; Matthew Blinkhorn (Eoin Doyle 77).
Drogheda United: Robert Duggan; Eric McGill, Alan McNally, Jamie Harris, Yael Haro; Darren Meenan, Michael Daly, Paul Crowley, Ryan Brennan (Eoghan Osbourne 85); Peter McMahon, John Flood.
Referee: Damien Hancock (Dublin).
Report courtesy of RTE
Sligo Rovers vs. Drogheda United team news
Paul Cook has a fully fit squad to choose from tonight for the clash against Drogheda United apart from Mauro Almedia and Richard Brush who will not play again this season. Gary McCabe travelled to Estonia with the Republic of Ireland U-23 side, but didn't feature in Tallinn and should be available for selection.
This will be Bobby Brownes first game in charge of Drogheda and he has a number of players returning from suspention, Eric McGill, Corrie Treacy and Ryan Brennan all returning from suspention. However Glen Fitzpatrick will miss out, while midfielder Brendan McGill is still a few weeks from a comeback.
K.O. is at 7:30 @ The Showgrounds.
This will be Bobby Brownes first game in charge of Drogheda and he has a number of players returning from suspention, Eric McGill, Corrie Treacy and Ryan Brennan all returning from suspention. However Glen Fitzpatrick will miss out, while midfielder Brendan McGill is still a few weeks from a comeback.
K.O. is at 7:30 @ The Showgrounds.
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