It’s a massive game tonight in the Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United meet in the proverbial 6-pointer.
After last week’s 4-0 defeat to Derry City Sligo boss Gerard Lyttle will be looking for a big reaction from his side, especially at home. They have received a boost this week with striker Benny Igiehon’s International clearance coming through.
John Russell returns from suspension while Rhys McCabe could make his first Showgrounds appearance.
Lyttle said: “This is an opportunity to bounce back. Last week was very poor but we move on and we are back in The Showgrounds, a place we have tried to make it difficult for teams to come and we want to continue that.”
“Drogheda are looking for a result but like all teams in and around us, they are fighting for their place in this league and will come here to give it their all.”
“We don’t worry about their form, we will concentrate on trying to producing our own performance with our home crowd behind us.”
Speaking about the two new recruits to the bit o’red squad Lyttle said, “Rhys is a very good player. Sometimes you don’t see everything when watching on the sideline but in Derry he started to show what he brings somewhat and we need to get him on the ball more. It will take him time to get up to speed but he’s a fit lad and he can become a big player for us.”
“Benny is a big strong boy but he is more than just that. He will link up play and bring players into the game. He’ll work hard and has a winning mentality. I know he is absolutely raring to go so he has to go take the chance when it arrives.”
For Drogheda United, manager Pete Mahon has a difficult task to motivate his side. They sit bottom of the table, with lots of players leaving, and also talk of dressing room revolt.
The Drogs slipped to bottom place last Friday as they lost 2-0 at home to Finn Harps, in what was a game they would have targeted, was their fourth defeat on the bounce.
“We’re on a really bad run at the moment,” Mahon admitted Thursday evening. “Last week was a big game for us but we gave the first goal away so early in the game giving ourselves a mountain to climb.”
“What we need is to get a win from somewhere and I’m sure when that happens, a run of results will follow.”
With further crucial games against Galway United and St Patrick’s Athletic to come in the next fortnight, Mahon is fully aware of the magnitude of Saturday’s encounter.
“We set ourselves a target from these four games and obviously we have nothing to show for from the first one. Everyone knows how important this game is given how tight the situation is at the bottom.”
“Teams are probably queuing up to play us at the moment but we need to change that. Our fortune has to turn at some point as I don’t think we’ve had much luck over recent weeks.”
“It’s frustrating to be going into such a crucial run of games with so many injuries but there’s nothing we can do about that now.”
“We’re in a battle down there at the bottom and we need to show that we’re up for the fight.”