Frantz Pierrot sparkles to help Drogheda survive Sligo Rovers scare
Drogheda United 3 Sligo Rovers 1
Frantz Pierrot of Drogheda United celebrates after scoring his side's second goal Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Drogheda United picked up just a second win of the season as they came from 1-0 down to see off Sligo Rovers at Weavers Park.
The Bit O'Red had taken the lead after six minutes as Will Fitzgerald scored his first of the season, but Kevin Doherty's side were back on level terms on 24 minutes courtesy of Darragh Markey's fine strike.
A Frantz Pierrot penalty on 70 minutes gave the Drogs a vital three points.
The home side came into this tie with just one win under their belt, and picking up four draws and one defeat in their last five games.
Sligo Rovers were looking for a first win in four, with two draws in their last two games.
The visitors were off to a dream start when Fitzgerald's effort from the left gave Jethren Barr no chance in the Drogheda goals.
And while the visitors started well, Drogheda got to grips with the game and were causing Sligo a whole host of problems at the back.
Haitian international Pierrot forced McGinty into a couple of early saves in the Sligo goal, but it was a moment of magic from Markey that saw the Boynesiders back on level terms.
Markey, who looked like he was enjoying himself, found space from range and got the perfect amount of pace and weight on his effort to see McGinty beaten after 24 minutes.
The home side could have been ahead at the break, but for a number of last-ditch blocks from Sligo defender Ollie Denham.
Drogheda were making life difficult for the visitors, and went ahead in the 70th minute.
Luke Heeney was brought down in the box by Niall Morahan, and Pierrot coolly slotted past McGinty to put them ahead.
John Russell's side struggled to get back into this game, with the Louth side well on top.
And the Drogs made sure of a vital three points with four minutes to go as Aaron McNally ducked and weaved his way through the Bit O'Red defence, tucking past McGinty.
Drogheda United: Jethren Barr, Hayden Cann, Jack Keaney, Luke Heeney, Conor Kane, Darragh Markey (Dave Webster, 91), Gary Deegan, Oisin Gallagher, Warren Davis, Adam Foley (Aaron McNally, 63), Frantz Pierrot (Ryan Brennan, 84).
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty, JR Wilson, Ollie Denham, Charlie Wiggett, Reece Hutchinson, Stefan Radosavljevic (Owen Elding, 78), Connor Malley, Niall Morahan (Rein Smit, 78), Ellis Chapman, Will Fitzgerald (Kailin Barlow, 46), Wilson Waweru.
Referee: Mark Houlihan.
