An open free flowing exciting first half was followed by a forgettable second forty-five minutes as Drogheda United and Sligo Rovers played-out a scoreless draw at United Park.


The visitors ended the match with nine players after both Danny ventre and Owen Morrison were shown red cards.


Basement side Drogheda failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage and must feel disappointed that they didn’t go on to pick up their first win of the season.


Sligo enjoyed the better of the chances during the opening quarter as Alan Keane saw his shot saved by Steve Williams and Rafael Cretaro wrong footed defender Ian Ryan before racing to the edge of the Drogheda box where he drove his shot narrowly wide.


However, as the clock ticked on the home side were in the ascendancy but couldn’t find the net as is their wont this term. 

Towards the middle of the half debutant William Woods, Paul Shiels and finally James Chambers combined for the latter who saw his half volley deflected wide.  Woods shot was saved by an alert Richard Brush in the visitors goal, Gavin Whelan’s goal bound pile driver was headed from the line by Gavin Peers and Whelan was denied then denied by Brush who stopped his fine effort from distance. 


In the midst of the Drogheda onslaught Eoin Torpey had a good chance for Rovers but Williams got a block on the shot with his legs.  The main talking point of the half was reserved for the final minute when Sligo were reduced to ten men as Danny Ventre saw red for a very poor challenge on Jamie Duffy.


The pace dropped considerably in the second half as Drogheda failed to make use of their additional man.  Indeed it was Sligo who looked the more likely to pounce on the break which they almost did when Cretaro’s incisive run towards goal was brought to a halt by Robbie Clarke’s saving tackle.


Eight minutes from time Rovers were down to nine when Owen Morrison, who was earlier cautioned for dissent, lunged in at Gavin Whelan and was duly given his marching orders by a busy referee.


Drogheda United:  Williams, Ryan (Salmon 75), Clarke, Kenna, McNally, Shiels, Whelan, Chambers, Duffy, Woods (Foley 60), O’Connor (King 78). 

Sligo Rovers:  Brush, Keane, Peers, Ventre, Holmes, Morrison, Ryan, Torpey (Feeney h/t), Doherty(Cash 42), Cretaro, Boco. 

Referee:  R. Winter (Dublin).