Rovers hit Drogheda for Six

Sligo Rovers 6 - 0 Drogheda United | Airtricity League Premier Division

When was the last time a Sligo Rovers team scored 12 goals in consecutive games? Because that's just what Paul Cook's side has managed after Saturday night’s 6-0 win over Drogheda United in the Showgrounds.

Rovers dispatched Ulster Senior League side, Letterkenny Rovers six nil, earlier in the week in the League Cup.

Padraig Amond scored his first competitive hat trick for the Bit O’Red, Gavin Peers and John Dillon were also and the score sheet for the home side. But it was Richie Ryan’s opener just before half time that received the biggest applause from the Showground’s faithful.

On 44 minutes Eoin Doyle caught the pressing Drogheda defence cold when he was set free by a pass from deep. Brian King was the last defender and had little choice but to prevent Doyle’s march towards goal resulting in a straight red for the Drogheda midfielder.

Gary McCabe struck the resulting free kick – the ball found its way to the feet of Ryan just outside the Drogheda box and following some tidy foot work to make space, the Tipperary man struck a sublime shot into the top left hand corner and beyond the diving Paul Skinner.

Apart from Ryan’s goal, the first half proved little to get excited about. Iarfhlaith Davoren made a return to the starting XI but was substituted before half time. The player happy to get as many minutes under his belt as possible as he continues to recover from a leg injury that’s kept him out of the side for the last number of weeks.

An injury to Conor O’Grady saw John Russell start his first league game for Rovers after his competent display coming on for the last 25 minutes of the six nil win over Letterkenny Rovers during the week.

Although still not completely match fit, Russell was tenacious when tackling and progressive on the ball.

Richard Brush didn’t have a save to make all night, allowing his back four to roam further forward with confidence. Five minutes into the second half centre half Gavin Peers’ diving header from a corner again left Skinner no chance in the Drogheda goal.
Three minutes later and Padriag Amond put the game beyond Alan Mathew’s side to make it three nil. Richie Ryan set the former Shamrock Rovers striker away for Amond to convert into the bottom left hand corner.

Jason McCarthy who replaced Iarflaith Davoren at left back showed why he’s been impressing for the A Team or late. Running the length of the pitch on the Jinks Avenue side for the ground, the former Summerhill student crossed at the by line for Amond to tap-in from close range.

Wide man John Dillon got his first goal since joining the club after 77 minutes. Dillon was on the pitch less than 60 seconds as replacement for the busy Gary McCabe when he found the net. Amond broke into the box and unselfishly squared for Dillon to score.

Amond made it 6-0 on 85 minutes rounding Skinner to convert. The recent goal flourish comes as a timely boost for Paul Cook’s side who it seems were lacking confidence in front or goal.

Sligo Rovers now have the second best scoring record in the league behind table toppers Dundalk who are next on the fixture list this Friday night (May 21st) in Oriel Park.

The win sees Rovers leap-frog Galway United into 7th on goal difference with a game in hand on Sean Connor’s side.