Drogheda battle for win over Sligo

Sligo Rovers 2 Drogheda United 3

Jason Gavin scored a late winner as Drogheda were made to battle all the way for a first win of the season over Sligo and stay in contention for Europe.

Defender Gavin got on the end of Paul Keegan’s 78th minute free kick to head past John O’Hara.

Sligo looked like they might snatch a draw when Nigerian substitute Choice Aisien scored a terrific first goal for the club to make it 2-2 on 63 minutes.

Aisien turned well some 35 yards out and beat Dan Connor with a thumping right-foot shot that went in off a post.

The sides swapped good chances, with Drogheda keeper Dan Connor making a terrific save from John Bellew, before Paul McTiernan scored Sligo’s first goal in eight games to give them the lead on 34 minutes.

The Drogheda defence was caught napping as McTiernan latched onto Adam Hughes' flick to head over Connor for a soft opener.

But Drogheda hit back immediately with an equally soft goal; Shane Barrett adding to his hat-trick against Derry midweek when side footing home from skipper Declan O’Brien’s low cross.

A dreadful mistake by Rovers’ young midfielder Seamus Coleman, who inexplicably headed Gavin Whelan’s cross into his own net, gifted Drogheda the lead for the first time on 38 minutes.