Sligo Rovers 3 Drogheda U 1:SLIGO ROVERS preserved their Premier Division status for another year with victory over Drogheda United at the Showgrounds last night.

Second-half goals from Gavin Peers and Matthew Blinkhorn in the 61st and 80th minutes, after Drogheda had pulled a goal back through substitute Ross Gaynor, was enough to wrap up the points for the home side.

Sligo got off to a dream start after just two minutes of the first half when Eoin Doyle drilled the ball into the Drogheda net from a Brian Cash cross to stun the Boynesiders.

The visitors’ marking was slack for the chance and it allowed Rovers far too much space in front of goal.

Paul Shiels had a shot at goal for Drogheda after 14 minutes, following good play by Guy Bates and Brian King, but the ball drifted wide.

A smart interception in the Drogheda goal denied Raffaele Cretaro in the 27th minute and a shot by Romauld Boco a minute later whistled inches wide of the Drogheda goal.

Anytime the visitors played with any fluency and managed to string a few passes together the Sligo defence looked shaky. They were, however, unable to capitalise on this advantage and left the western city without even a point to show for their efforts.

SLIGO ROVERS: Kelly, Boco, Kendrick, Peers, Keane, O’Grady (Ryan, 81 mins), Cash (Morrison, 65 mins), Ventre, Blinkhorn, Cretaro (Marshall, 85 mins), Doyle.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Williams, Gibb, Clarke, Ryan, McNally, Crowley (McNamara, 76 mins), McGill (Gaynor, half-time), Shiels, Martin (Farrell, 69 mins), Bates, King.

Referee: Dave McKeon (Dublin).