Warren Davis and Edwin Agbaje struck in the first half to end Drogheda United's long wait for a home league win, beating Sligo Rovers 2-0 at Sullivan & Lambe Park. The result pushes the visitors to the brink of relegation, leaving them eight points behind Drogheda in the Premier Division table.
Kevin Doherty's side had not tasted victory on their own pitch in the league since early May, a run that contributed to their position in the relegation play-off spot. This win, their second in five matches, lifts them to 31 points from 30 games, a key step away from the bottom two.
Sligo's struggles deepen
For Sligo Rovers, managed by Darren Purse, the defeat edges them closer to a first drop to the First Division in 22 years. They arrived five points behind Drogheda and have now failed to win a league match since May. Their task was made harder by the suspension of Mark Doyle and a bench that featured just two senior outfield players alongside 15-year-old Charlie Cummins.
The hosts took the lead in the 38th minute after a costly error from Sligo goalkeeper Sam Sergeant. The keeper slipped as he attempted to clear a corner, leaving the ball for Warren Davis. The Drogheda midfielder took a touch before curling a composed finish into the unguarded net.
Agbaje adds the second
Drogheda doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Edwin Agbaje, who played for Sligo last season, found the net for his second senior career goal, putting the game firmly in the home side's control before the break. The second half saw Sligo's injury woes mount, with Jack Shorrock substituted just 18 minutes after coming on following a collision with a floodlight box, and Treya George also forced off.
Sligo made changes, introducing Kaiyne Woolery and Luke Young for Archie Meekison and James McManus, but they struggled to test Luke Dennison in the Drogheda goal. Thomas Oluwa had two efforts denied by Sergeant, while a low shot from Cian Kavanagh was comfortably saved. Drogheda managed the game professionally in the closing stages, making late substitutions as Ryan Brennan, Ryan Markey and Kieran Cruise entered the fray.
What the result means
"It's a massive three points for us," manager Kevin Doherty told reporters after the match. "We needed that home win to build some belief and we got it. Now we have to back it up." The victory provides a vital buffer, with Drogheda now ten points clear of the automatic relegation place and ten points behind eighth-placed Waterford.
With just 18 points left to play for this season, Sligo's situation looks increasingly dire. They are now eight points from safety and would need a remarkable turnaround to survive. Drogheda's focus shifts immediately to a trip to face sixth-placed Shelbourne on September 14. The full schedule ahead is available on our fixtures page. The win moves Drogheda to 31 points and ninth place as they prepare for that next challenge.
