National League Premier Division/ Sligo Rovers 0 Drogheda Utd 0: Drogheda United regained the lead of the Premier Division after this scoreless draw at the Showgrounds on Saturday night. They enjoyed the lion's share of scoring chances over the 90 minutes but less-than-perfect finishing after good build-up play cost Paul Doolin's side maximum points.
Keith Fahey was denied by vigilant Sligo goalkeeper John O'Hara on the hour mark and substitute Shane Robinson's header came within a whisker of breaking the deadlock in the 77th minute.
Sligo's best chance came in the 56th minute when clever play by Fahrudin Kudozovic up along the left wing sent half-time substitute Adam Hughes through on goal but solid Drogheda defending and the alertness of goalkeeper Dan O'Connor kept the ball from crossing the line.
Drogheda started the first half brightly with Pádraig Keegan shooting over and Glen Fitzpatrick having his effort put out by O'Hara. Keegan drilled a long-range shot wide of the Reds goal in the 17th minute before Matthew Judge missed the target at the other end in Sligo's only real chance of the half.
O'Hara kept a Keith Fahey shot out on 40 minutes but former Middlesbrough player Jason Gavin, who had a fine game, was unable to turn the resultant corner kick into the net.
The visitors stepped up a gear in the closing stages of the half as Sligo's earlier work rate dropped.
Doolin said that his side had the "major share of possession over the 90 minutes but we didn't take the chances that came our way".
Sligo manager Seán Connor was happy with his team's performance after a series of setbacks and having to select from a small squad and praised the team for "defending solidly all night".
SLIGO ROVERS: O'Hara, Foyle, McNamara, Burns, Peers, Curran, Kudozovic, Turner, O'Grady, McTiernan, Judge. Subs: Hughes for Curran halftime; Bellew for Judge (80 mins); McCartney for Kudozovic (83 mins).
DROGHEDA UNITED: O'Connor, Fahey, Shelly, Gavin, Webb, Lynch, Gray, Keddy, Keegan, Fitzpatrick, Leech. Subs: Barrett for Leech (50 mins); O'Brien for Fitzpatrick (70 mins); Robinson for Keegan (74 mins).
Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).
