Friday, December 31, 2010

Davoren signs for 2011 season

Iarfhlaith Davoren has become the latest player to commit to Sligo Rovers for the 2011 Airtricity Premier Division season.
The former Galway United man enjoyed an impressive first season with the club, including a stand-out role in the FAI Cup final win against Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva Stadium.
The following players are now signed for next year's campaign:
Gavin Peers
Matthew Blinkhorn
Alan Keane
John Dillon
Joseph Ndo
Danny Ventre
Ciaran Kelly
Iarfhlaith Davoren
Derek Foran
Eoin Doyle.

Thank you to www.sligorovers.com/ for the report

Friday, December 24, 2010

2011 fixtures

Sligo Rovers will start there 2011 campaign with a trip up to the Brandywell against Derry City followed by there first home match against Shamrock Rovers. Rovers will then finish the season with a home match against UCD.
Full list of the fixtures bellow:

4 March - Derry City vs Sligo Rovers (away)
12 March - Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers (Home)
18 March - Bray Wanderers vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
26 March - Sligo Rovers vs Sporting Fingal (Home)
1 April - Galway United vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
9 April - Sligo Rovers vs St.Pats' Athletic (Home)
15 April - Dundalk vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
23 April - Sligo Rovers vs Bohemians (Home)
29 April - UCD vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
2 May - Sligo Rovers vs Derry City (Home)
6 May - Shamrock Rovers vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
TBC - Sligo Rovers vs Bray Wanderers (Home)
13 May - Sporting Fingal vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
21 May - Sligo Rovers vs Galway United (Home)
26 May - St.Pats' Athletic vs Sligo Rovers  (Away)
TBC - Sligo Rovers vs Dundalk (Home)
10 June - Bohemians vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
18 June - Sligo Rovers vs UCD (Home)
TBC - Derry City vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
25 June - Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers (Home)
1 July - Bray Wanderers vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
9 July - Sligo Rovers vs Sporting Fingal (Home)
15 July - Galway United vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
23 July - Sligo Rovers vs St. Pats' Athletic (Home)
5 August - Dundalk vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
13 August - Sligo Rovers vs Bohemians (Home)
19 August - UCD vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
3 September - Sligo Rovers vs Derry City (Home)
9 September - Shamrock Rovers vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
12 September - Sligo Rovers vs Bray Wanderers (Home)
23 September - Sporting Fingal vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
1 October - Sligo Rovers vs Galway United (Home)
8 October - St.Pats' Athletic vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
15 October - Sligo Rovers vs Dundalk (Home)
21 October - Bohemians vs Sligo Rovers (Away)
28 October - Sligo Rovers vs UCD (Home)

Friday, December 17, 2010

Kelly puts pen to paper on a one year deal

Sligo Rovers FAI Cup final hero, Ciaran Kelly has today signed a new one year deal which adds to the growing list of players to have pledged there allegiance to the club for the upcoming season.

Kelly, who only last month saved four out of four penalty's against Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup Final showed throughout the rest of the season that he is a very steady keeper when called upon and can produce moments of magic (a magnificent save against St. Pats in the second half of their last league game of the season which helped Rovers qualify for Europe and the four penalty saves only to name a couple).

Rovers players under contract for next season:
Ciaran Kelly
Joseph Ndo
Derek Foran
Danny Ventre
Mathew Blinkhorn
Gavin Peers
John Dillion
Alan Keane
Eoin Doyle.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Rovers squad starting to come together

Sligo Rovers have today announced the signing of Joseeph Ndo on a one year contract that will keep him at the club for the 2011 season.
With this signing added to Derek Foran, Danny Ventre, Mathew Blinkhorn, Gavin Peers, John Dillion, Allan Keane and Eoin Doyle already being signed up for next season it seams Rovers are retaining the spine to the team.
Sligo Rovers have also been in talks with Richie Ryan but things don't seem so good on that front with the player saying if Rovers do not improve the contract he will have to look for football abroad.
In an interview with the evening herald the player said
"I'd like to think that I had a good season for Sligo this year and I'd like to see that rewarded in a new contract, but unless they can come up with a better offer I don't know if I will be able to re-sign.
"I am not being greedy or looking for crazy money off the club.
"I know the financial situation in the league and in the country in general so I don't think I am out of order in what I am looking for.
"I will have a think over the weekend and go back to the club early next week, we're still talking to each other, I would like to stay as I have enjoyed it at Sligo, but all I want is to be rewarded."

Other rumours coming out of the club is that they are interested in signing Conor Powel and if this true it would be a great boost for the Rovers defence.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Up The Bit O' Red commemerative dvd

Sligo Rovers will be releasing a commemerative dvd titled ''Up The Bit O' Red''.
The official launch of the dvd will be on at 1pm at the club shop on O'Connel Street on saturday the 11th of december. At attendence of the launch of the dvd will include players and managment staff.
The dvd will cost €12.99 and will include extended highlights of the FAI Ford Cup Final, the EA Sports Cup Final and the third place clinching match against St. Patricks Athletic.

Huge demand is expected for the dvd so if you wish to pre-order you may do so by phoning 071 9171212 from the 8th of December (Wednesday).

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Sligo Rovers on Sky Sports News

Sligo Rovers today had a piece on Sky Sports News. It was very interesting and hopefully it brings some more publicity to the club. here is a link to the video >>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNZHhFDq3Y0

Friday, November 19, 2010

Cook, Peers and Blinkhorn sign contracts

Sligo Rovers have today anounced that Gavin Peers and Mathew Blinkhorn have signed for Rovers for the 2011 season. Paul Cook has also signed a 2 year contract with the club. The club are also hoping to complete negotiations with more players in the coming days.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Fai cup final match report

Report thanks to rte.ie/mns
Goalkeeper Ciaran Kelly was the hero for Sligo Rovers as they claimed the FAI Ford Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva Stadium.
Kelly saved spot-kicks from Gary Twigg, Pat Flynn, Chris Turner and Paddy Kavanagh to deny the Hoops a seventh domestic league and cup double. Eoin Doyle and Gary McCabe found the net in the shootout as the Bit O' Red added the Blue Riband of Irish football to their EA Sports Cup triumph earlier in the season. Conor O'Grady and Alan Keane both missed penalties for Sligo but Kelly's heroics more than made up for that. The largest cup final attendance in recent memory, 36,101, had seen Sligo dominate for long periods without making the breakthrough.
The Hoops raised their game in the second half, but had to hang for the last ten minutes of extra-time after Stephen Bradley was sent-off. Sligo and Kelly had suffered heartbreak in losing the cup final to Sporting Fingal last year. Indeed, Kelly's foul on Eamon Zayed in the box gave Sporting a late chance to equalise, from where they went on to win. The victory was Sligo third FAI Cup triumph and means that the Hoops long wait for a 25th cup victory goes on.
Michael O'Neill's side were second best for much of the afternoon, but they do have Champions League football to look forward to next season. Shamrock Rovers' centre-half Aidan Price failed to recover fully from a hamstring injury, so Flynn started in the centre of defence and Stephen Rice moved to right-back. Sligo were without the suspended Richie Ryan and Matthew Blinkhorn, so Paul Cook opted to play Doyle as the main striker supported by John Russell. The game began with another refereeing mistake, as Tomás Connolly stopped play for foul on Sligo's Danny Ventre when Doyle was clean through. Both Iarfhlaith Davoran and Twigg had shots that failed to find the target in the opening minutes, but thereafter it was almost all Sligo. Cook's side settled quicker, even without their captain and playmaker Ryan, and showed the football that has won them many admirers this season. They should have been in front after 17 minutes as Joseph Ndo's corner found Romauld Boco unmarked, but Alan Mannus touched Boco's header onto the bar. Sligo, and Ndo in particular, controlled possession for long spells, but were often let down by their final ball and their decisions in the attacking third.
Shamrock Rovers were troubled by another Ndo corner kick just before half-time, but Gavin Peers could only glance his header wide. It took the Hoops half an hour to get to the pace of the game, but the closest they came was a Billy Dennehy free-kick that sailed over Kelly's crossbar.
Bradley, who had been subdued in the opening half, had the chance to test Kelly just after the break but scuffed his shot wide. In a lively opening to the second half, Twigg headed straight into Kelly's arms after a swift break by Thomas Stewart and James Chambers. At the other end, McCabe fired over following a counter-attack by Doyle and Boco.
Sligo turned up the pressure on Shamrock Rovers as Doyle shot over the bar from close range. Minutes later, Keane slipped Boco through, but he could only shoot straight at Mannus. The keeper's handling skills were tested again soon after by McCabe's low drive. O'Neill made an attacking change to counter Sligo's dominance, with Dessie Baker coming on for Chambers.
Stewart, who had switched to left after Baker's introduction, skipped past Keane and forced Peers to clear from his line. Keane returned the favour, as he got in the way of Flynn's header from the resulting corner. McCabe must have thought he had won the game when he went for goal with five minutes left, but Flynn threw his head in the way for a crucial block. In a frantic finale, Kelly ensured the game went to extra-time as he pushed away Dennehy's shot and Twigg's header. Both teams appeared jaded in extra-time following their exertions in the 90 minutes.
However, the momentum swung Sligo's way after Bradley picked up his second booking for a needless foul on Keane in the second half of extra-time. There was then the strange sight of a substitute being substituted as Price came on for Baker to shore things up at the back. Both Bradley and Baker's penalty-taking skills would be missed later on. Despite late Sligo pressure, the Hoops held on to take the game to the shootout. However, this was to be Sligo and Kelly's day as they completed an impressive season with two trophies.

Sligo Rovers: 1 Kelly; 2 Keane, 4 Peers, 20 Lauchlan, 3 Davoran; 18 Boco, 15 Ndo, 5 Ventre (12 O'Grady '118), 21 McCabe; 8 Russell; 11 Doyle.
Subs not used: 26 Brush, 19 Gibson, 16 Foran, 14 McGoldrick, 17 Vieira, 7 Dillon.
Booked: Peers, Ndo, Keane, Ventre,

Shamrock Rovers: 1 Mannus; 6 Rice, 4 Sives, 13 Flynn, 3 Stevens; 20 Dennehy, 7 Bradley, 18 Turner, 8 Chambers (10 Baker '69 (5 Price 113), 23 Stewart (15 Kavanagh '102); 9 Twigg.
Subs not used: 16 Jennings, 11 Fenn, 14 Downes, 19 Murphy.
Booked: Bradley, Stewart, Turner,
Sent-off: Bradley
Referee: Tomás Connolly.

SLIGO ROVERS PENALTIES
Scored: Eoin Doyle, Gary McCabe
Missed: Alan Keane (saved), Conor O'Grady (wide)
SHAMROCK ROVERS PENALTIES
Missed: Gary Twigg (saved), Pat Flynn (saved), Chris Turner (saved), Paddy Kavanagh (saved).
Attendance: 36,101.
Ford Man of the Match: Joseph Ndo.

 Sorry about the lateness, completely forgott.

Friday, November 12, 2010

The F.A.I. Cup Final preview

As the showpeice for the League of Ireland draws closer news on the sale of tickets keeps getting better. Between Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers 18,500 tickets have been sold, 6650 threw Ticketmaster, 4000 to the sponsors and around 2000 to the FAI. With more people expected to by their tickets on the day, the expected crowd is in and around 35,000 (which is more than is expected for the Irish rugby teams' encounter with Samoa in the Aviva on Saterday).

Coming into the match Sligo Rovers will be without the services of suspended Richie Ryan and Mathew Blinkhorn which has been talked about much already in the press so I will not go on a rant about it here. The Bit o Red will also be without injured Mauro Almedia and Richard Brush who is missing his second final in two years with a wrist injury. Paul Cook will be looking for a big performance from his men so as not to suffer the same dissapointment as last year.

As for Shamrock Rovers Aidan Price has been given the all clear to play ahead of Sunday while Garry Twigg will have a late fitness test before the game. Twigg is expected to start but is not expected to complete the full ninety-minutes. The 'hoops' will also be missing Dan Murray (threw a Knee injury), Pat Sullivan and Sean O'Connor are also out of the game threw injury. Shamrock Rovers will also be missing the services of Robert Bayly because of suspention.

With the big game growing closer anticipation is increasing from both sets of fans and neutrals. In my view this will be one of the games of the season with an amazing atmosphere with both sets of ultras at either ends of the ground taking it to a cresendo.

The match kicks off at 3:30 pm on Sunday afternoon at the Aviva Stadium with the match live on RTE with coverage starting at 3:00.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Keane signs new contract

          RTÉ.ie Sport: Alan Keane, pictured with Sligo manager Paul Cook and club officials, will stay in The Showgrounds for the 2011 season
Alan Keane, pictured with Sligo manager Paul Cook and club officials, will stay in The Showgrounds for the 2011 season

Alan Keane has agreed a new contract with Sligo Rovers for the 2011 Airtricity Premier Division season.
The club are also currently in talks with all the players from this year's squad and there will further announcements in the days to come.

Keane has enjoyed an excellent season at The Showgrounds, producing many fine performances to help the Bit o' Red finish third in the Premier Division and qualify for the FAI Ford Cup final with Shamrock Rovers next week.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Europa League next season!!!!

Sligo Rovers will be playing in the Europa League next season after a dramatic 1-0 win over St. Patricks Athletic. It was a very even encounter especialy during the first half with both sides canceling eachother out realy. The only chance of note in the first half came whem Rommy Boco was slipped through on goal by John Russell but Derek Pender got back well to make a last ditch tackell on the Benin international.

The second half was a much better spectical for the large crowd that turned out at The Showgrounds with Joseph Ndo shooting narowly over from long range within five minutes of the restart. Five minutes later Ciaran Kelly produced the save of the match when Derek Doyle shot from outside the box. Pat's best chance of the night came when they were awarded a free-kick about 20 yards from Rovers goal, Dave Mulcahy drove low but it just went passed the up right.
Then just as the game seemed as it was goig to end up as a draw Garry Mcabe made a run into the box with the ball at his feet and was taken down by a St. Pats man, Keane rifled the ball into the net past Gary Rogers.
This goal assured Rovers of a third place finish and Europa League football next season!!!! :D

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. St. Pat's Europa legue clash!!

This is the last league game of the season for both Sligo Rovers and St. Patricks Athletic with this being the seventh time both teams have played eachother this season.

Paul Cook will have a full strength squad to pick from apart from the long term absemtees of Richard Brush and Mauro Almedia. Jim Lauchlan should return to the team after he missed last weeks game against UCD. due to suspention.

Pete Mahon will have a full strength squad to choose from. He is also very comfident coming into the fixture having said "Sligo are everybody’s form team at the moment but we beat them down there already this season in the Setanta Cup semi-final so we are well capable of getting a good result”.

If  Rovers win the match they are guaranteed Europa League football next year.
This has been a brilliant year for the Bit 'o' Red so lets pack the Showgrounds and make a cracking atmosphere. Supporters are advised that a large crowd is expected and they should give plenty of time to enter the grounds. Kick-off is 7:45pm on Friday night.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. U.C.D. team news

Sligo Rovers will be without defender Jim Lauchlan for their final away game of the Airtricity Premier Division season against UCD in the UCD Bowl on Friday night.Lauchlan is suspended for the encounter so Derek Foran or Danny Ventre will come into the side.Mauro Almeida and Richard Brush are long-term absentees.
 Rovers have no other injuries or suspensions to contend with.

The news coming from U.C.D. sounds like Martin Russell will be putting out a weakend side now that they are safe. That means a possible outing for the likes of striker Graham Rusk, defenders Michael Kelly and Sean Harding and midfielder Paul O’Conor.

Kick Off is at the UCD Bowl on friday at 7:45.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Rovers are going to the Aviva!!!!

Sligo Rovers are going to the Aviva next month after they saw off Boheimians by one goal to nil at Dailymount Park.
It was a great footballing display by Rovers who from early on got the ball down and started passing. Boheimians had the first chance of any note when Jason Byrne knocked the ball down to Paul Keegan whos shot went wildely over the bar. On the 11th minute Boco missed afantastic chance to go one up after Blinkhorn had controlled brilliantly and sent a fantastic ball to Boco but unfortunatly his chip sailed over the bar.
Boco had another chance on the 25th minute but his shot was well saved from Murphy after Boco had cut infield from the left handside.Former Sligo Rovers man Raffaele Cretaro unleashed a 25-yard effort on 24 minutes but Kelly read it well and made the save just before the Benins international effort. Bohs were forced into making a change on 34 minutes when Mark Rossiter limped off with a hamstring injury to be replaced by Crumlin youngster Roberto Lopez. This was to prove a turning point in the game as Garry Mcabe haunted the young bohs right back all night.

At the start of the second half it was obvious that Bohs lifted the intensity of their game as they were closing down Rovers much quicker, but they still couldn't retain the ball for long periods of tim like Rovers did.
Rovers enjoyed a superb spell of pressure with twenty minutes remaining, with excellent passing football and creativity.
And they were rewarded for their effort with the winning goal on 75 minutes when Peers got his head to Richie Ryan's corner and powered the ball into the bottom left corner of Murphy's net as Paul Cook's side secured their place in this year's final.
Bohemians: Murphy; Rossiter (Lopez 34 mins), Powell, Cronin, Shelley; Oman, Brennan, Keegan, McGlynn; Cretaro (Madden 73 mins), Byrne (Quigley 52 mins).
Sligo Rovers: Kelly; Keane, Davoran, Peers, Lauchlan; McCabe (Doyle 86 mins), Russell, Ryan, Ndo, Boco (Ventre 83 mins); Blinkhorn (O'Grady 90+1).
Referee: A Kelly (Cork)

Well done to the boys tonight and lets bring a huge crowd down to the Aviva on November th 14th to cheer the lads on one better than they did last year.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Boheimians team news

Paul Cook has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Friday nights FAI Cup Semi-Final with Bohemians at Dalymount Park
John Russell returns from a suspension that saw him miss the 4-2 win over Dundalk. Romuald Boco also missed that game due to international duty and is expected to take his place on the wing for The Bit O'Red.

As for Bohs striker Jason Byrne is fit for selectionOwen Heary (hamstring) is recovering but may not return.
Jason McGuinness (hamstring) remains out, while long-term injuries Anto Murphy and Steven Gray (both Achilles) are recovering from operations.

The match kicks off at 8:05 on friday and if you can not make it down to Phibsboro the match is live on RTE with the coverage starting at 8:00.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Dundalk match repert

Sorry for this post being so late and not having any pre-view for the match, someone hacked my account and I only received my new password today.

Sligo Rovers moved a step closer to European football for next season thanks to a thrilling 4-2 win over Dundalk at Oriel Park.
A bright start from both sides gave an indication of what was in store for the rest of game.
Sligo had the first effort at goal after eight minutes when skipper Richie Ryan curled a vicious free-kick at Peter Cherrie.
Dundalk should have been in front less than 60 seconds later when Fahrudin Kuduzovic fashioned a great opening for team-mate Tom Miller but the midfielder could only fire wide with just John Gibson to beat.
The missed opportunity was to haunt Dundalk as the Bit O'Red hit the front three minutes later.
The ball found its way to Matthew Blinkhorn via Gary McCabe and, after leaving Garry Breen for dead on the edge of the box, the Rovers number nine expertly placed the ball past Cherrie.
Dundalk hit back in spectacular fashion in the 26th minute.
Miller's cross found the head of Wayne Hatswell and his flick was turned in by Ross Gaynor's overhead kick.
Simon Madden almost deceived Gibson with a right wing delivery in the 27th minute and Gavin Peers missed a gilt-edged header to restore Sligo's lead.
Dundalk's hopes were dealt a hammer blow with two incidents in quick succession.
Hatswell saw red for a second bookable offence in the 39th minute. From the resulting free-kick, Joseph Ndo rolled the ball into Richie Ryan's path and the Rovers skipper's rasping effort left Cherrie with no chance.
The ding-dong battle continued in the second half. Dundalk again drew level when Gaynor's clever free-kick beat Gibson at his near post but just seconds later Sligo were back in front when Alan Keane sent Cherrie the wrong way from the penalty spot after McCabe had been upended by Breen.
The final word of a pulsating game came from Joseph Ndo who rolled home with 15 minutes to go after catching Miller in possession.

Dundalk: 1 Peter Cherrie; 12 Simon Madden, 5 Garry Breen (7 Stephen Maher, 60 mins), 6 Liam Burns (captain), 3 Wayne Hatswell; 21 Daniel Kearns, 14 Dean Bennett, 4 Tom Miller, 11 Ross Gaynor; 10 Matthew Tipton, 9 Fahrudin Kuduzovic.
Subs not used: 2 Shaun Kelly, 19 Johnny Breen, 20 Steven Lennon, 22 Paul Murphy (GK).
Booked: Hatswell, 24 mins; G Breen, 32 mins; Kuduzovic, 51 mins; Bennett, 80 mins.
Sent-off: Hatswell, 39 mins.
Sligo Rovers: 19 John Gibson; 2 Alan Keane, 4 Gavin Peers, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 3 Iarflaith Davoren; 21 Gary McCabe (5 Danny Ventre, 83 mins), 6 Richie Ryan (captain), 15 Joseph Ndo, 11 Eoin Doyle; 7 John Dillon (12 Conor O'Grady, 71 mins), 9 Matthew Blinkhorn (14 Mark McGoldrick, 80 mins).
Subs not used: 1 Ciaran Kelly (GK), 16 Derek Foran,.
Booked: Blinkhorn, 35 mins.
Sent-off: none.
Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).

Report courtesy of RTE.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Bray Wanderers match report

A 90th minute penalty converted by Alan Keane saw Sligo Rovers come from behind to beat Bray Wanderers at The Showgrounds.
Keane drilled home his second spot-kick in two games after substitute Eoin Doyle had been fouled inside the area in a dramatic finale.
Bray had taken the lead through Gary Dempsey's superb 69th minute free-kick, before Matthew Blinkhorn levelled with a header on 76 minutes, and Keane won it from the spot with Dave Webster sent-off for arguing the penalty decision.
Rovers were given a boost before kick-off, when Romuald Boco passed a fitness test on his injured ankle and was cleared to play, allowing Paul Cook to name an unchanged side from that which defeated Drogheda last weekend.
Bray keeper Matt Gregg also passed a fitness test to start, but Jake Kelly, John Mulroy, Sean Houston and Stephen Brennan all missed out through injury.
Boco had the first chance inside the opening minute when he was set loose close to goal, but his attempted chip missed the target.
Rovers did have the ball in the net on eight minutes, but Gary McCabe was offside when he latched onto John Russell's through-ball and finished.
Sligo keeper John Gibson was also called into action in a lively opening, when he dived at the feet of Ian Tuohy to make the save.
Russell went close to breaking the deadlock on the 20th minute mark, when he turned his man and fired narrowly wide at the edge of the area.
Blinkhorn tried to hoodwink the officials with a Maradona-style handball when challenging for a high Keane delivery on 33 minutes, but got only a booking off referee Derek Tomney for his efforts.
But it was Bray that had the opening half's best chance, when Danny O'Connor and Tuohy combined to pick out Dean Zambra inside the area, and his shot came back off the post.
Rovers' best chance of the half shortly after when McCabe was put through one-on-one with Matt Gregg, but the netminder got an important touch to deny the former Bray winger.
Rovers enjoyed a bright start to the second half, with Boco forcing a decent save from Gregg with a skilful shot after he flicked the ball up for himself at the edge of the area.
Joseph Ndo's resultant corner was only cleared as far as Richie Ryan outside the box, and his low shot narrowly missed the target.
But Bray took the lead against the run of play on 69 minutes, when Ryan was penalised for a foul on Chris Shields at the edge of the box, and Dempsey curled the ball into the top corner.
But the response from the home side was excellent, with McCabe crossing from the right on 76 minutes, and Blinkhorn rising highest to steer the ball past Gregg for a deserved equaliser.
The striker had the ball in the net against five minutes later, but Russell was offside when he raced onto Ndo's pass in the build-up.
But Rovers secured the win when Keane kept his nerve to dispatch the spot-kick to the bottom corner of the net.
Sligo Rovers: 19 John Gibson; 2 Alan Keane, 4 Gavin Peers, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 3 Iarfhlaith Davoren; 21 Gary McCabe, 6 Richie Ryan (Captain), 8 John Russell, 15 Joseph Ndo, 18 Romuald Boco (11 Eoin Doyle 68); 9 Matthew Blinkhorn.
Subs not used: 1 Ciaran Kelly, 5 Danny Ventre, 7 John Dillon, 12 Conor O'Grady.
Booked: Blinkhorn (31), Ryan (72).
Bray Wanderers: 1 Matt Gregg; 2 Dave Webster, 4 Adam Mitchell, 5 Derek Prendergast, 3 Dane Massey; 7 Dean Zambra, 6 Gary Dempsey, 8 Danny O'Connor (Captain), 10 Daire Doyle, 11 Ian Tuohy (17 Shane O'Neill 87); 9 Chris Shields.
Subs not used: 12 Colm Tresson, 14 Graham Kelly, 15 Nicky Byrne.
Booked: Doyle (39), Webster (90, 90+1).
Sent-Off: Webster (90+1)
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).

Sligo Rovers vs. Bray Wanderers preview

Sligo Rovers will be hoping to tighten their grip on third place in the Airticity League Premier Division in tonight's game with Bray Wanderers at the Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm.
Saturday's 2-1 win for Sligo over Drogheda saw the Bit O'Red leapfrog St Patrick's Athletic into third, though it is only goal difference that separates the sides at this point.
Rovers boss Paul Cook must plan for the absence of Romauld Boco after the Benin international damaged ankle ligaments during the weekend match. The 25-year-old will undergo a scan on the injury this week.
Mauro Almeida and goalkeeper Richard Brush are out for the rest of the season, but otherwise Cook has a strong squad to choose from.
The manager will be hoping for a positive reaction from the crowd after he accused a 'small minority' of them of being persistently negative.
Bray will be buoyed by the point they picked up at Bohemians on Friday, though they arguably should have come away with all three points from a game in which the Gypsies finished with nine men.
Hamstring victims Jake Kelly and John Mulroy are still on the treatment table and will not make the trip west. Stephen Brennan missed the game with Bohs due to an ankle injury and is not expected to recover in time, while Sean Houston is a definite non-starter after sustaining cruciate ligament damage at Dalymount.
The Seagulls will make a late call on the fitness of goalkeeper Matt Gregg after he injured his shoulder in a heavy fall on Friday. Brian Kane will deputise if necessary.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Drogheda United match report

Gary McCabe's brilliant 81st minute volley saw Sligo Rovers climb to third in the Airtricity League Premier Division at The Showgrounds.
McCabe smashed home Jim Lauchlan's knockdown as Rovers leapfrogged St Pat's and Sporting Fingal.
Rovers took the lead through Alan Keane's first half penalty, after Matthew Blinkhorn was fouled in the area.
But the visitors looked like they might grab an unlikely point in new manager Bobby Browne's first game in charge when Eric McGill's 60th minute cross floated to the net.
Rovers changed their starting 11 for the first time in four games, with John Gibson starting in goal in place of Ciaran Kelly and McCabe returning from international duty with the Irish U23s.
Browne was without Glen Fitzpatrick because of suspension and Brendan McGill because of injury, but Eric McGill and Ryan Brennan returned from bans.
Jamie Harris and John Flood also came into the team beaten by Sporting Fingal last time out.
The opening quarter featured little of note bar an early booking for former Rovers player Darren Meenan.
Drogheda striker Peter McMahon saw a shot charged down by Gavin Peers, while Jim Lauchlan almost directed Richie Ryan's stinging free-kick to the net on 17 minutes.
But Rovers looked the more threatening and made the breakthrough on 26 minutes.
Joseph Ndo fed John Russell down the left, and when he picked out Blinkhorn in the area, the striker was tripped by Drogheda captain Alan McNally.
Keane confidently sent Robert Duggan the wrong way from the spot.
Rovers full-back Iarfhlaith Davoren also went down in the area just a minute later, but this time the tackle from Meenan was assured.
Blinkhorn had a good chance soon after, but Romuald Boco's cross had just too much for pace for the EA Sports Cup final hero.
Meenan found a little space down the right on 42 minutes, but his cross looking for John Flood was expertly dealt with by Gavin Peers.
Rovers were less convincing on the next Meenan cross on the stroke of half-time, and Jim Lauchlan had to make a good block to deny Flood a shot on goal.
McCabe was prominent for Rovers at the start of the second half, and Russell really should have done better than scoop the ball over the top when McCabe's low cross picked him out in the area.
But Drogheda claimed a bizarre equaliser on the hour-mark, when McGill's floated ball into the area deceived Rovers keeper John Gibson and dropped into the net.
Rovers had two great chances to edge ahead again over the next 20 minutes.
Firstly Blinkhorn could only turn McCabe's low cross the wrong side of the post from close range, and then McCabe himself missed the target when put through by Ndo's smart pass.
But McCabe eventually delivered with nine minutes left, after he smashed a volley into the top corner when Lauchlan headed Ndo's free-kick into his path.
Sligo Rovers: John Gibson; Alan Keane, Gavin Peers, Jim Lauchlan, Iarfhlaith Davoren; Romuald Boco ( John Dillon HT), Richie Ryan, John Russell, Joseph Ndo, Gary McCabe; Matthew Blinkhorn (Eoin Doyle 77).
Drogheda United: Robert Duggan; Eric McGill, Alan McNally, Jamie Harris, Yael Haro; Darren Meenan, Michael Daly, Paul Crowley, Ryan Brennan (Eoghan Osbourne 85); Peter McMahon, John Flood.
Referee: Damien Hancock (Dublin).

Report courtesy of RTE

Sligo Rovers vs. Drogheda United team news

Paul Cook has a fully fit squad to choose from tonight for the clash against Drogheda United apart from Mauro Almedia and Richard Brush who will not play again this season. Gary McCabe travelled to Estonia with the Republic of Ireland U-23 side, but didn't feature in Tallinn and should be available for selection.

This will be Bobby Brownes first game in charge of  Drogheda and he has a number of players returning from suspention, Eric McGill, Corrie Treacy and Ryan Brennan all returning from suspention. However Glen Fitzpatrick will miss out, while midfielder Brendan McGill is still a few weeks from a comeback.

K.O. is at 7:30  @ The Showgrounds.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Sligo Rovers triumph in EA Sports Cup Final

Sligo Rovers clinched silverware for the first time since their 1998 League Cup success thanks to a narrow 1-0 win over Monaghan United in the EA Sports Cup final at The Showgrounds.
Matthew Blinkhorn's 14th minute strike proved the difference between the sides, although Sligo should have had the result sewn up before the final whistle.
The same sides had met a week earlier at the same venue in the quarter final of the FAI Ford Cup, with Rovers victorious 3-0 on that occasion, but their First Division opponents produced a much improved showing this time out.
The 3,000 plus attendance witnessed an open contest and, following Blinkhorn's opener, John Russell should have extended Sligo's lead four minutes later - only for Monaghan United goalkeeper Gabriel Sava to produce a terrific save from Russell's piledriver.
Philip Hughes' 25th minute free-kick was the visitors' best chance of the opening half, but it climbed over Ciaran Kelly's crossbar.
Following the interval, Sligo Rovers continued their dominance, with Sava denying Blinkhorn within a minute of the restart and Gavin Peers volleying wide from Joseph Ndo's corner on 55 minutes.
Russell almost sneaked in at the far post for Rovers in the 59th minute, and Eoin Doyle should have made it 2-0 on 65, but pulled his shot wide of the far post.
Against the run of play, United nearly equalized in the 73rd minute - Alan Keane clearing Brian Gartland's header off the line with Kelly beaten.
Rovers responded immediately with Romauld Boco forcing Sava to dive to his left on 74 minutes and Russell almost converting for the home side - the excellent Sava again coming to the rescue.
Rovers substitute Gary McCabe's 85th minute free-kick also crept just past Sava's post, and minutes later Boco dragged a shot wide.
Darragh Hananphy nearly engineered a stoppage-time chance for the visitors - only for Rover's Jim Laughlan to time a saving tackle to perfection - and the hosts held out for victory.
The win gives Paul Cook his first success as Sligo Rovers manager.

Sligo Rovers: C Kelly; A Keane, G Peers, J Laughlan, I Davoren; E Doyle, J Russell (G McCabe 78), R Ryan, R Boco; J Ndo, M Blinkhorn
Monaghan United: G Sava; C McMahon, A Byrne, B Gartland, S Grimes; A Collins, S Brennan (C O'Connor 68), B Clancy, D Tierney (A Lynch 84); K Berminghan, P Hughes (D Hanaphy 77)

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin)

This victory is a reward to the team and especialy Paul Cook who has put in an enourmous amount of work in the last 3 years. Well done the Bit'O'Red!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

EA Sports Cup review

Sligo Rovers take on Monaghan United in the EA Sports Cup final in The Showgrounds on Saturday evening, live on Setanta Sports.

The Bit o' Red have defeated Letterkenny Rovers, St Patrick's Athletic and Shamrock Rovers on the way to the final.
They go into the game without Richard Brush and Mauro Almeida due to long-term injury, but Paul Cook has no other injury or suspension worries.
Cook has warned his players that the match will represent a difficult test for his side. Monaghan lost 3-0 to Rovers last weekend in an FAI Cup quarter-final in The Showgrounds.
Cook said: 'There all different sorts of criteria for finals. It is on the day. I think Monaghan will respect the fact that we beat them last Saturday, we beat them quite convincingly. But by the same yardstick, it is a completely different game now.
'Monaghan come for a one-off game, it'll be finished Saturday night. If you do make mistakes or get people sent off it could come back to haunt you.'
The Rovers manager has revealed he has not been pushing his players too hard in the run-up to the game after a rigorous schedule with league and cup games.
'At the minute we've got no injuries and no suspensions. We just had four games in two weeks so it was important we got rest into the lads. We needed to prepare them and prepare their minds properly for what will be a very tough encounter.'
Rovers have risen to fourth in the Premier Division table and, as well as being in the EA Sports final, they have reached the last four of the FAI Cup. Despite the fantastic position the Bit o' Red find themselves in, Cook has stressed the job is far from complete.
'We've been playing consistently well for a long period but at the end of the season we all say the same things.
'The league table will not lie and then two trophies will be handed out. We've got a chance to put our hands on both.'
Monaghan and the Bit o' Red reached an agreement to play the final in The Showgrounds. The Rovers boss is calling on the home supporters to get behind the team from the off to try and help add to 'a long and glorious history' of the club.
'We're delighted to have the final here. The game is close to a sell-out, which is great. It is live on television. The playing surface is to a good standard so it has got all the ingredients to be a really good cup tie. Myself and Mick Cooke will try to do the league proud and put a good spectacle for everyone.
'I want the supporters to get behind the team from the first minute. Loads of encouragement, loads of noise and loads of colour. Make it a special occasion because if you look back we've won the League Cup once in our history. We've got a long and glorious history and we've only won it once.
'To win the EA Sports Cup another time puts some more silverware in the cabinet. It goes towards the history of the club and Saturday we have an opportunity if we all play our part - fans, players and staff alike, then we can get that success we need.'
Cook is now at the club for three-and-a-half years and in that time Rovers have played in two League Cup semis, an FAI Cup final and a Europa League first round match. He hopes the experience will help his side's cause on Saturday evening.
'Our lads have played a lot of big games now. I can telling people about experience. We’ve played against Vllaznia, FAI Cup finals, League Cup semi-finals, big big games. So we’ve got no problem with nerves or the expectancy of crowds.'

Monaghan have no injury concerns for the match.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Boheimians match report

Ten-man Bohemians missed the chance to move within a point of leaders Shamrock Rovers after drawing one-all with Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds.
After Killian Brennans sending off for a stamp on Alan Keane, Bohs never realy looked up to much.


Rovers were unchanged from the team that defeated Monaghan United in the Cup at the weekend. Gary McCabe returned from suspension but started on the bench.
Jason McGuinness missed out for Bohemians because of injury, with Ken Oman coming into the side as the only change to the team that defeated Bray last time out.
Both sides featured attackers playing against their former clubs - Raffaele Cretaro for Bohs and Joseph Ndo for Sligo - and both showed an appetite for the contest, demanding possession at every opportunity.
Ndo saw more of the ball as Bohs struggled a little with the swirling wind at their backs and the former Cameroon international almost set Eoin Doyle free with an incisive pass, but for a timely interception from Conor Powell.
But it was Cretaro that made the more telling impact when a bad pass across the field from Jim Laughlen put peersy ender pressuere and he ended up giving away a free against Cretaro (who went down like a bag of potatoes).
Quigley curled the ball around the wall, under Kelly and into the corner of the net from the resulting free-kick.
But just two minutes later a rush of blood to the head resulted in a sending off.
Brennan tangled with Keane on the sidelineand after he got up he blatenly stamped on Keane for a straight red.
Fenlon reacted by introducing Paul Keegan for Jason Byrne.
But Rovers almost carved open a chance to equalise before the break when Russell controlled Richie Ryan's cross in the area, but couldn't get his shot away as Bohs surrounded him in numbers.
But the midfielder grabbed the leveller on 57 minutes as he raced onto a cross-field pass into the area and slid the ball past keeper Chris O'Connor with a left-foot shot.
The excellent Russell almost won it in injury-time, but his header from John Dillon's cross flashed the wrong side of the post.
 This draw will feel like a loss for Rovers as after the sending off Bohs offered nothing going forward, Rovers had all the ball and the chances but didn't have that cutting edge up front.
Jim laughlan put in a massive performance and was the best player on the pitch i think!!
Sligo Rovers: 1 Ciaran Kelly; 2 Alan Keane, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 4 Gavin Peers, 3 Iarfhlaith Davoren (21 Gary McCabe 74); 11 Eoin Doyle (7 John Dillon 74), 6 Richie Ryan (Captain), 8 John Russell, 15 Joseph Ndo; 18 Romuald Boco, 9 Matthew Blinkhorn.
Subs not used: 5 Danny Ventre, 12 Conor O'Grady, 19 John Gibson.
Booked: Russell (47), Lauchlan (65), Peers (83).
Bohemians: 25 Chris O'Connor; 2 Owen Heary (Captain), 6 Ken Oman, 5 Brian Shelley, 3 Conor Powell; 7 Killian Brennan, 8 Gareth McGlynn, 4 Glenn Cronin, 11 Mark Quigley (16 Aaron Greene 74); 9 Raffaele Cretaro (14 Mark Rossiter 77), 10 Jason Byrne (12 Paul Keegan 41).
Subs not used: 15 Ruaidhri Higgins, 1 Barry Murphy.
Sent-Off: K Brennan (37).
Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Boheimians review

Gary McCabe returns to the Rovers squad after missing the 3-0 FAI Cup win against Monaghan United last Saturday due to suspension.
Rovers have a strong squad to choose from, with long-term injury victims Mauro Almeida and Richard Brush the only definite absentees.
Several players are carrying minor injuries, with Paul Cook set to make a decision over their selection with the EA Sports Cup final due to take place on Saturday evening.

For Bohs, defender Jason McGuinness is not available as he is struggling with a hamstring injury. And Gareth McGlynn is a doubt for the trip to the north-west as he faces a fitness test on an injured knee.Anto Murphy and Stephen Gray remain out with long-term Achilles injuries.

The game kicks off tonight (Monday) in the Showgrounds at 7:45

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Monaghan UTD match report

Sligo Rovers have ensured that the top four teams in the Airtrcity League Premier Division will contest the FAI Cup semi-finals.
A 3-0 defeat of First Division leaders Monaghan United at The Showgrounds on Saturday evening saw the home side join Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and St Pat's in the final four.
Last year's finalists were good value for the win, with a first half Alan Keane penalty and a second half strike from Romuald Boco propelling them to the win, before Mark McGoldrick wrapped it up with a third in injury-time.
Rovers were the better team in the early stages, but struggled to break down a disciplined Monaghan rearguard.
But they broke the deadlock when Monaghan briefly lost their discipline on 24 minutes. Conor McMahon was put under pressure by Eoin Doyle contesting John Russell's cross, and referee Padraig Sutton spotted a handball and pointed to the spot.
Alan Keane confidently stepped up to convert his second penalty in two cup games.
Rovers could have doubled their lead on 33 minutes, when Russell turned his man inside the area and tried to pick out Matthew Blinkhorn in front of goal, but keeper Gabriel Sava dived to save.
Rovers forced eight corners in the opening half, including three in the closing stages of the period, but the closest they came to a second was when Doyle beat a couple of players inside the area, but saw his shot flash across the face of goal.
Monaghan tried to shake things up at half-time by introducing Karl Bermingham for Cathal O'Connor, but they went two down just 30 seconds into the second half.
Aidan Collins looked like he had Richie Ryan's long ball under control, but his clearance went straight to Joseph Ndo, who fed Boco to smash the ball past Sava from close range.
Aidan Lynch also came on for Monaghan entering the final quarter, and Barry Clancy had a couple of efforts on goal, one of which required a safe pair of hands from Ciaran Kelly.
Bermingham also had a half-chance he couldn't keep on target after a blocked Philip Hughes shot rebounded invitingly for him.
At the other end, Matthew Blinkhorn tried his luck after brilliantly controlling a kickout, but Sava was well positioned to make the save.
But Rovers did get the third in injury-time, as substitute Mark McGoldrick looped the ball over Sava for his first senior goal for the club.
Sligo Rovers: 1 Ciaran Kelly; 2 Alan Keane, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 4 Gavin Peers, 3 Iarfhlaith Davoren; 15 Joseph Ndo, 6 Richie Ryan, 8 John Russell (5 Danny Ventre 82), 11 Eoin Doyle (7 John Dillon 90); 18 Romuald Boco, 9 Matthew Blinkhorn (17 Mark McGoldrick 89).
Subs not used: 12 Conor O'Grady, 14 Nelson Vieira, 16 Derek Foran, 19 John Gibson.
Booked: Doyle (32).
Monaghan United: 1 Gabriel Sava; 2 Aidan Collins, 4 Conor McMahon, 5 Brian Gartland, 3 Shane Grimes; 7 Cathal O'Connor (12 Karl Bermingham HT), 6 Don Tierney (17 Aidan Lynch 66), 8 Alan Byrne, 11 Barry Clancy, 9 Sean Brennan; 10 Philip Hughes (14 Darragh Hanaphy 83).
Subs not used: 13 Anthony Costigan, 15 Stephen McCrossan, 16 David Quirke, 18 Darren Coleman.
Booked: McMahon (41), Byrne (53), Gartland (74).
Referee: Padraig Sutton (Clare).

The draw for the semi-final will be made on mns which begins at 7 on rte.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Monaghan UTD team news

Paul Cook will be without Gary McCabe for Saturday's Ford FAI Cup Quarter Final.
McCabe misses the game through suspension while there are doubts over winger John Dillon as he struggles to overcome a back injury. Romuald Boco and Richie Ryan will face late fitness tests but both should be fit to face Mick Cooke's men.
Central defender Jim Lauchlan is expected to make his return after sitting out the 2-2 draw with Galway United on Monday night.

As far from what i can see Monaghan have no new injury concerns for the match.

Kick off at The Showgrounds is 7.45pm on Saterday night.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs Galway United match report

Republic of Ireland under 21 international Karl Sheppard provided a flash of class grabbing an equaliser as Galway United made a stunning comeback at Terryland Park.
Sligo started impressively and struck two first half goals courtesy of Richie Ryan on eight minutes and John Russell after 36.
But Galway were given a glimmer of hope two minutes later when a Gary Curran shot squeezed over the line, and the Tribesmen levelled on 63 as Sheppard scored following a Stephen O'Donnell free kick.

Sorry about the poor match report, I just don't have much time due to homework!! :@

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs Galway United team news

Sligo Rovers take on Galway United tomorow night at Terryland Park @ 7:45.

John Dillon is the only absentee for Rovers' Monday night trip to Terryland Park.
Dillon misses the game due to a back injury which also kept him out of Friday's 4-3 win over Sporting Fingal.
Long-term absentees Mauro Almeida and Richard Brush will continue their time on the sidelines due to Achilles and hand injuries respectively.

For Galway Rhys Meynell and Paul Sinnott return to the side and Ciaran Foley may be in line for a return also.

Rovers are now up to fourth in the table and are only four points behind Pat's.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs Sporting Fingal match report

Sligo Rovers amazingly almost let a four-goal lead slip, before eventually seeing off Sporting Fingal at The Showgrounds.
Rovers scored twice in each half and looked like they were coasting to victory, before letting their guard slip in the closing stages and allowing the visitors to battle back.
Gary O'Neill, Kenny Browne and Shaun Williams all scored late goals for Fingal, but ultimately two goals from Romuald Boco and strikes from Gavin Peers and Eoin Doyle eventually earned Rovers all three points.

O'Neill scuffed a chance for the visitors in the opening minutes after some silky skills from Conan Byrne down the right.
On 18 minutes, Alan Kirby launched a quick attack after intercepting a Rovers clearance, and he fed captain Williams, who was unfortunate to see his effort fly too high.
A Kirby free-kick also presented Shaun Maher with an opportunity, but he directed his header straight at Ciaran Kelly.
The home side had plenty of possession but lacked a little in the final third with top-scorer Padraig Amond now departed for Portugal.
But with Boco coming to life on the left, they twice threatened in the space of 10 seconds. Boco's low cross invited a first time shot by John Russell inside the area, but Maher made a superb block.
The ball broke to Richie Ryan, who tried his luck with a powerful shot from distance, but Darren Quigley got his body behind it.
Boco went close himself on 32 minutes, when he exchanged a sharp one-two with Ryan, but dragged his effort across the face of goal.
But the opener came from the opposite wing. Ndo's initial 38th minute corner was cleared back out to him, but his second delivery picked out an unmarked Peers to finish from close range.
Ronan Finn saw a first time shot float too high just before the goal, and Kenny Browne headed wide from a corner soon after, but Fingal were dealt a second blow on the stroke of half-time.
Ryan was the architect, feeding Matthew Blinkhorn, who in turn released the lively Boco into the area, and the Benin international brilliantly lifted the ball over Quigley and into the net.
Williams covered a lot of ground for the Dubliners in the game, and made his way into the area seven minutes into the second half, only to see his header miss the target.
Ronan Finn also went close with a decent effort from distance, touched wide by Kelly, but Rovers claimed a third on the hour-mark, when Ndo's corner dropped to Boco at the back post, and he controlled it expertly before volleying home.
Blinkhorn and Kirby both had chances in the following minutes at either end, but on both occasions the keepers pulled off fine saves.
But Rovers showed their strength in depth by throwing on Gary McCabe and Eoin Doyle in the closing stages, and the pair combined for the fourth as McCabe crossed for Doyle to tap home.
But Fingal gave the home side a nervous closing few minutes, as Gary O'Neill slid the ball to the net from close range, and then defender Kenny Browne finished from close range after a corner.
But a third strike from Shaun Williams in injury-time came too late to deny Rovers the points.

Rovers now climb into 4th in the table, 1 point ahead of Fingal and 4 behind Pats.


Sligo Rovers: 1 Ciaran Kelly; 2 Alan Keane, 4 Gavin Peers, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 3 Iarfhlaith Davoren; 5 Danny Ventre (Captain), 6 Richie Ryan (21 Gary McCabe 61), 8 John Russell (12 Conor O'Grady 74); 15 Joseph Ndo, 18 Romuald Boco, 9 Matthew Blinkhorn (11 Eoin Doyle 68).
Subs not used: 16 Derek Foran, 19 John Gibson.

Sporting Fingal: 1 Darren Quigley; 2 Brian Gannon, 5 Shaun Maher, 6 Kenny Browne, 3 Lorcan Fitzgerald; 4 Shaun Williams (Captain), 10 Alan Kirby (11 Ollie Cahill 67), 8 Ronan Finn (14 Colm James 82); 7 Conan Byrne, 9 Gary O'Neill, 17 Eamon Zayed (15 Glen Crowe 67).
Subs not used: 12 John Frost, 16 Brendan Clarke.

Referee:
Derek Tomney (Dublin).

Report courtesy of Rte

Sligo Rovers vs Sporting Fingal preview

Sligo Rovers will hand Romauld Boco a late fitness test ahead of the match after the Benin star picked up a knock on international duty.
Gary McCabe (hamstring) and John Dillon (lower back) are both doubts for Rovers.
Richie Ryan and Derek Foran return from suspension but Mauro Almeida and Richard Brush are out for the rest of the campaign because of injury.

As for Fingal Ger O'Brien misses out while Shane McFaul is doubtful.

The Bit o' Red have failed to beat any of the top four sides in the table in 13 attempts.
It has cost Rovers any chance of keeping up with Shams and they may have to end the run if European football is to come to the northwest in 2011.

KO is at 7:45 at the Showgrounds tonight.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Shamrock Rovers match report

 Report courtesy of RTE

Billy Dennehy fired in a stunning second half free-kick to give Shamrock Rovers a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.
The winger produced a goal of the season contender as the ball flew past a helpless Ciaran Kelly from the corner of the box.
Ironically, it was Dennehy's goal for Cork City that ended Rovers' title hopes last year, but this time he was the hero for most of the 4,022 fans.
The result was harsh on Sligo as they were impressive in controlling the game for long spells, particularly in the first half.
However, they could not find the finish to match their approach play, with Paul Cook's side clearly missing recently-departed top scorer Padraig Amond.
The win puts the Hoops seven points clear at the top of the Premier Division and a step closer to their first title in 16 years. It win is of even more significance as Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic both dropped two points tonight.
Rovers' four-month unbeaten league run looked in real danger but they showed that they have the squad to pull them through rough patches.
Sligo Rovers played all the football in the opening half and were denied an opener by Danny Murphy's great block on Matthew Blinkhorn after nine minutes.
At the other end, a mistake by Gavin Peers saw the ball drop to Neale Fenn. He picked out Dennehy, but his looping header cleared the crossbar.
Sligo took control thereafter and had a penalty appeal turned down when Enda Stevens controlled John Russell's cross with his chest.
With the visitors now dominating possession, former Hoop Eoin Doyle wasted a great chance. Gary McCabe's scuffed shot dropped into Doyle's path, but Alan Mannus easily saved the tame effort.
Such was Sligo's start, that a stranger would have thought that the away side were five points clear at the top of the table. Shamrock Rovers did not help themselves by losing possession far too easily, but Sligo enhanced their reputation with some excellent moves.
The home side gave their fans something to get excited about on 30 minutes. Gary Twigg raced through on goal but Ciaran Kelly blocked the shot. The rebound dropped for Fenn but Jem Lauchlan was in the right place to get the block.
Robert Bayly gave a glimpse of Shamrock Rovers' frustration when he was booked for pulling back Russell by the shorts after losing the ball.
Minutes later, Gary McCabe's low free-kick skidded through and Mannus palmed across the box although the home side scrambled the ball clear.
The home side were much improved in the second half and both Dennehy and Chris Turner had shots that flew just over the bar.
However, Sligo should have gone ahead after a lapse in concentration in the home defence as McCabe failed to hit the target from inside ten yards.
There was a cracking atmosphere inside the Tallaght Stadium with the home fans responding to their players' renewed efforts. They nearly took the roof off when Dennehy drilled the opening goal past Kelly on 68 minutes.
Sligo were certainly not out of the game and another McCabe shot was blocked on the goalline. Craig Sives then produced a last-ditch tackle on Russell to force a corner.
Sives was involved at the other end as he headed Dennehy's corner back across goal, but Twigg could not apply the finishing touch.
Sligo pushed for the a deserved equaliser during four minutes of injury-time, but the home side held out to take a giant step towards the Premier Division title.
Shamrock Rovers: 1 Mannus; 19 Murphy, 4 Sives, 24 Murray, 13 Stevens; 8 Chambers, 18 Turner, 25 Bayly (17 O'Connor '44), 20 Dennehy; 9 Twigg, 11 Fenn (23 Stewart '73).
Subs not used: 16 Jennings, 15 Kavanagh, 21 McGuinness.
Booked: Bayly
Sligo Rovers: 1 Kelly; 2 Keane, 4 Peers, 20 Lauchlan, 3 Davoren; 5 Ventre, 15 N'do, 8 Russell, 11 Doyle (17 McGoldrick '83), 21 McCabe (7 Dillon '83); 9 Blinkhorn.
Subs not used: 19 Gibson, 6 O'Grady, 14 McCartney.
Booked: Ventre
Referee: Alan Kelly
Attendance: 4,022

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Shamrock Rovers team news

Sligo Rovers will be without several key players for their Airtricity Premier Division match with Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.

Defender Derek Foran and midfielder Richie Ryan are absent due to suspension, while Romauld Boco is away on international duty with Benin.

Joesph N’do is a major doubt because of injury while Mauro Almeida and Richard Brush are long-term absentees.

Padraig Amond has left the club to join Portugese side Pacos Ferreira.

As for Shamrock Rovers Dan Murray and Tommy Stewart will come back into the squad after missing last week’s FAI Ford Cup game through injury. However, there is a slight doubt over Aidan Price (hamstring). Stephen Bradley, Stephen Rice and Pat Flynn are all suspended for the game (yellow cards).

Shamrock Rovers won the last meeting of the side in the Premier Division, a 2-1 win in The Showgrounds, but it was the Bit o' Red that came out on top in an EA Sports Cup semi-final last month.
The game will K.O.  @ 8pm in Talaght stadium tomorow night (Friday).

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Padraig Amond transfer

After drawn out speculation Padraig Amond has moved to Portugese premier division club, Pacos Ferreira.
The bid (as far as I know) is beleived to be worth around €100,000 and wih 5% of that (€5000) of that due to go to Shamrock Rovers due to the fact that they trained the player before he was 18 and still played for them after. The deal went through on Tuesday morning after Amond passed his medical for the club. Amond was due to leave on Monday but faced a big scare when he could not find his passport but after ringing sevral T.D.s he got one just in time to get over before the transfer wndow closed.

My views on this transfer are very simple: Sligo Rovers should not have sold him at this point of the season as we do not have a recegnised goal scorer now. Blinkhorn and The King are not going to score to much between them!!

Monday, August 30, 2010

F.A.I. Cup Draw

Sligo Rovers were drawn against Monaghahen United in the F.A.I. Cup earlier this evening. This game will be played the weekend before the two meet in the E.A. Sports Cup final and could proove to be a vital match for Paul Cook to do some homework on the team. This tie for Monaghen is a reward for their victory over Cork City Foras Co-op. Monaghen have been punching above their weight this year in all competitions having already reached the final of the league cup, they are lieing second in the league behind Derry and now reaching the quater finals of the cup. The match will be played on the weekend of the 17/18/19 of September at the Showgrounds.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Finn Harps match report

Premier Division Sligo Rovers advanced to the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup by overcoming Finn Harps in a surprisingly low-key north-west derby at Finn Park.
Sligo were on top from the start with Harps' goalkeeper Gavin Cullen forced into making a decent first minute save and Richard Ryan then hit the post.
Rovers took the lead on 12 minutes when Matthew Blinkhorn was adjudged to have been fouled by Packie Mailey inside the box and Alan Keane duly slotted in the resulting penalty.
But although they dominated the early stages, Sligo failed to build on their early advantage and the game limped towards the interval with little to excite either set of fans.
Harps' first effort on target came on the hour with Timmy Bonner's weak header posing no problems for Ciaran Kelly.
But inspired by a speculative Kevin McHugh 40 yard effort - that landed on the roof of the Sligo net on 62 minutes - the home side took the game to Sligo.
McHugh, the only Harps player from the squad that reached the 1999 final, suddenly found a spring in his step and had appeals for a penalty dismissed as he went down on 63 minutes.
Harps produced a series of corners but with no end product before Sligo missed a great chance to seal things when Eoin Doyle burst through on goal only to be denied by the advancing Cullen.
Despite having played each other over 100 times over the past 40 years, this was the first time that the two north-west rivals had ever met in the FAI Cup.
Finn Harps: Cullen; Doherty, Mailey, Crossan, Whoriskey; McMenamin, Forker, Shields, Bonner; Brolly, McHugh. Subs: Breen for Whoriskey (76 mins), Walsh for Breen (90 mins).
Sligo Rovers: Kelly; Keane, Peers, Lauchlan, Davoren; Ryan; Dillon, Russell, Boco, McCabe; Blinkhorn. Subs: Ventre for McCabe and Doyle for Dillon (both 61 mins), Amond for Blinkhorn (76 mins).

As you can see there Amond was playing yesterday evening as he came on as a sub for Mathew.
What does this mean for his future at the club? we will have to weight and see but if there is a deal to be done it will have to be done by 6:00 pm on tuesday.

Amond gone

There are roumers going around that Padraig Amond has left Sligo Rovers and gone to Portugese side Pacos Ferreira for €100,000. I will post confermation of this once an official statement is released from the club.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Finn Harps team news

Sligo Rovers will be without six players for the FAI Ford Cup encounter with Finn Harps in Finn Park on Friday night.
Joesph N'do, Romauld Boco, Gary McCabe, Conor O'Grady, Richard Brush and Mauro Almeida will all miss the tie.
N'do (leg) and Boco (Achillies) picked up injuries in the 0-0 draw with St Patrick's Athletic in Richmond Park last Friday night.
McCabe has an ankle problem while Brush and Almeida are long-term absentees.
O'Grady serves a one-game suspension. It is the ever first meeting of Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps in the FAI Cup.
Sligo Rovers supporters are requested to enter from Chestnut Road turnstiles in Finn Park only. Kick-off is 8pm.
Tickets are priced €12 for adults (terrace), €8 for OAP and €5 for students and children under-12.

As for Finn Harps Stephen McLaughlin misses out through suspension.  Ciaran Gallagher remains sidelined.  Otherwise, manager James Gallagher has a full squad to choose from

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

New bid expected for Amond

Sligo Rovers are expecting Portugese club Pacos Ferreira to return with a second bid for in-form striker Padraig Amond. Rovers have already rejected an initial bid of  €30,000 for the striker but feel that this is far bellow their valuation of the player. They feel Amond is worth a six figure sum.
Manager Paul Cook has said that if Ferreira offer enough money Amond will go.
In an interview Cook has already said "I think they have offered €30,000 for him, which with the best will in the world is not going to change the club. We're going to loose a striker who has scored alot of goals -and we only get €30,000? Of course we don't want to sell him. We are not trying to toute him around. Gerry Carr (ass. manager) has confirmed that the Bit-o-Red were aware that Amond was atracting alot of attention from Portugal and elswhere. In brighter news the Carlow native has said that "this is only the start for this team.". Amond has already stated that he wishes to stay at the Showgrounds and as long as he stays and keeps scoring for fun then Rovers have a real chance of qualifying for Euurope!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. St. Pat's match report

Report courtesy of RTE:

St Patrick's Athletic and Sligo Rovers shared the spoils from this pulsating Dublin 8 game in the Airtricity League Premier Division.
Sligo dominating the first half while Pat's enjoyed the better of the chances in the second half, but neither side could find the net.
Ryan Guy, Gareth O'Connor, David McAllister and sub Vinny Faherty all had chances for Pat's while Joseph Ndo and Romauld Boco went close for the visitors. But neither Gary Rogers or Ciaran Kelly had to pick the ball out of their respective net in this entertaining scoreless draw.
On a day when news broke that Rovers had turned down a bid from Portuguese side Pacos Ferreira for the services of Padraig Amond, Pat's boss Pete Mahon revealed in his programme notes that some of his players are also in demand.
However, Mahon stated that the interest wasn't conveyed to him in an appropriate manner.
He said: 'On a sour note, it saddens me to inform fans that two of our players have been tapped-up. This really is disgraceful carry on and the managers involved have shown a complete lack of respect for myself, John Gill and St Patrick's Athletic.'
Mahon stopped short of naming names though in a positive move he did single out Sligo Rovers, along with Dundalk, as clubs that do things the correct way.
Rovers for their part have said that Amond wishes to stay at the club and they will make no further comment.
Rovers had by far a much better start than the home side with Richie Ryan shooting over the bar in the second minute.
Ryan was involved again on nine minutes when his ball found Gary McCabe in the penalty area but excellent defending from
Shane Guthrie saw the ball knocked out for a corner.
On 18 minutes Guy should have done better for Pat's when he met Stuart Byrne's cross field ball but he failed to get a decent connection and hammered his effort way off target.
Ndo was close to opening the scoring for Rovers 23 with a strong free kick but the ball flew agonisingly over the bar.
Pat's showed great creativity on 31 minutes with a cracking move involving Byrne, Ian Bermingham and Derek Doyle but at the vital moment Gavin Peers nipped in to clear.
Rovers fought back immediately and Eoin Doyle headed over a Ryan free a minute later while on 40 an excellent passage of play involving McCabe and Doyle ended with a diving save from Rogers to deny Boco's header.
Ndo showed superb individual skill on 52 minutes when he snatched the ball from the feet of O'Connor and let fly from 25 yards but his final touch let him down and he sent the ball wide of Rogers' right-hand post.
In many ways it was a game of two halves with Pat's in control of the second after Rovers dominated the first.
Sligo goalkeeper Kelly was the difference between the sides for a spell with a sequence of important saves. Arguably the best was from Faherty on 57 following a quality pass from O'Connor.
Faherty, Guy and Bermingham were among the Pat's men who had a pop on goal in a terrific period of play from the home side around the hour mar but Kelly, the woodwork and some poor finishing left Kelly's sheet clean.
Guy had another chance on 83 when he darted onto Brian Cash's ball but Jim Lauchlan was in he right place at the right time to clear the ball.
St Patrick's Athletic: Rogers; Bermingham, Kenna, Guthrie, Pender; McAllister, Byrne, Guy, Mulcahy (O'Connor 20 mins), D Doyle (Cash 75 mins); North (Faherty 51 mins).
Sligo Rovers: Kelly; Davoren, Lauchlan, Peers, Keane; Ryan, McCabe (O'Grady 67 mins), Boco, Ndo, E Doyle (Dillon 75 mins); Amond (Blinkhorn 61 mins).
Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).

Bid for Amond is rejected

Sligo Rovers can confirm they have rejected a bid from Portugese side Pacos Ferreira for Padraig Amond.

The club are very keen for Amond to stay at The Showgrounds as we look to build our challenge for honours this year.

The player has also stated his desire to continue his career with Sligo Rovers after enjoying such an excellent season so far with the Bit o’Red.

Sligo Rovers will be making no further comment on the matter as we build towards tonight’s crucial Airtricity Premier Division match with St Patrick’s Athletic.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Team news for Sligo Roves vs. St. Patricks Athletic

Rovers will be facing a tough test against Pat's this weekend as they travel down to Richmond Park this Friday. the two teams have already faced each-other  five times this season with the sides producing one win for Rovers, one draw, and three wins for Pat's.

 Joesph N'do is a major doubt for Rovers as he is struggling with a calf injury, he also missed the encounter with Shamrock Rovers last Tuesday with the same injury. Mauro Almeida and Richard Brush will miss the rest of the season because of Achilles and wrist complaints but John Russell will be in available after he recovered from a head injury which he received against Bray.


As for Pat's, Ryan Guy will return to the team for the encounter after suspension and the former Rovers man Brian Cash will also be available for selection  after a leg injury, however doubts remain over Paul Byrne and Damian Lynch who are both struggling with ankle injuries.


This should be a brilliant game down in Richmond Park with the two teams having Title/European ambitions and Rovers playing their best football for years. K.O. is @ 7:45 at Richmond Park

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs. Shamrock Rovers EA Sports Cup match report

Sligo Rovers were 2-1 winners over Shamrock Rovers tonight at the Showgrounds. A goal from Garry Twigg was cancelled out by two goals from the former Shamrock Rovers man Pardraig Amond.
Twigg scored his goal mid-way threw the half. The Shamrock Rovers fans were still cellabrating when Amond was teed up by Richie Ryan and slotted home camly.
Just a couple of minutes after the secon half  kicked Off, with many fans still returning to their seats after the half-time intervell Paraig Amond was played thew on goals and had no hesitation when he put the ball past Allan Manus and into the net.
After this goal Sligo Rovers seamed to get deaper and deaper as Shamrock Rovers realy started to get a foot hold in the game. The game cotinued in this fashion for the rest of the second half and it was to be honest no suprise to sea that Shamrock Rovers had the ball in the back of the net only for it to be ruled offside.
Rovers did manage to sea the rest of the game out though and the Jinx Avenue faithfull stayed for over half an hour after the game chearing Rovers on.

Rovers will now face Monaghen in the final of the EA Sports Cup after Monaghen Utd beat Dundalk with a goal from Cathal O'Connor four minutes from time turned out to be the winner.

The final will be played on the 25th of September with the venue to be decieded.

Sligo Rovers vs. Shamrock Rovers EA Sports Cup preview

Rovers take on Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds tonight. Rovers will be boosted with the return of central midfielder Richie Ryan but he  may find it hard to get back into the team as Conor O'Grady and Rommy Boco put in two very good performances against U.C.D.
Sligo Rovers will be without John Russell (head) and two long term absemtees Richard Brush (wrist) and Mauro Almedia (achelies).

Shamrock Rovers will be without Dessie Baker (ankle) and Pat Sullivan (knee).

In an interview with Danny Ventre he said:
“We had a good chance to get silverware last season in the FAI Ford Cup but that didn’t work out for us, so this season the EA SPORTS Cup gives us a great opportunity to bring a trophy back to The Showgrounds,” he said.

“I’ve been here three years and last season was the closest we’ve come to getting a trophy. Getting to a final spurs you on – once you get one you want to keep going and get to another final.”

However, Ventre says that it is only recently that the team is beginning to hit top form.

“We weren’t getting the right results at the start of the season,” he said. “We were dominating matches but only getting draws. There were quite a few new signings and I think it took a bit of time for the players to gel, but we seem to have clicked now and we’re on a good run. We just have to keep that going – keep pushing up the league table and hopefully land a cup.”
This should be a very tight encouter which could go all the way to penaltys. already this season the sides have played eachother three times with two draws and Shams winning the other. Please come out and support Rovers tonight as if they win this game they will be favourites to win the competition.

K.O. @ the Showgrounds @ 7:45

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Rovers vs. U.C.D. match report

 Report courtesy of RTE

Sligo Rovers moved to third in the Airtricity Premier Division thanks to a 4-0 dismissal of UCD.
Captain Conor O'Grady opened the scoring with a stunning volley on 42 minutes and just two minutes later Padraig Amond doubled the advantage as he hammered the ball past Gerard Barron in the UCD goal.
Substitute Matthew Blinkhorn added a deflected third, before defender Derek Foran wrapped up the win with the fourth in the closing stages.
Sligo Rovers were without the suspended Richie Ryan and the injured John Russell, and handed a first start to the recently re-signed Romuald Boco in midfield.
UCD were minus the banned Greg Bolger, while Paul Corry missed out after a recent concussion.
The opening goal came just three minutes before the break, when Boco's superb left-foot cross was met by a thunderous O'Grady volley that flew past Gerard Barron.
Rovers fans were still discussing the brilliance of the first when their side grabbed the second just 120 seconds later.
Amond worked a skilful one-two with Gary McCabe before firing low to the net to further strengthen his position as the league's top-scorer.
The two-goal blast was a little harsh on a game UCD team, but there was little doubt that Rovers were the better side in the opening period.
Rovers could have got a third early in the second half, when firstly Boco and then Ndo both rose their shots too high from good positions.
In fact it took them 76 minutes to add to their tally, before Matthew Blinkhorn fired home his second goal in two games just six minutes after coming off the bench.
A fourth followed with Derek Foran headed home McCabe's corner at the back post.
Sligo Rovers: 1 John Gibson; 2 Alan Keane, 20 Jim Lauchlan, 16 Derek Foran, 3 Iarfhlaith Davoren; 21 Gary McCabe, 6 Conor O'Grady (Captain), 18 Romuald Boco, 7 John Dillon (11 Eoin Doyle 77); 15 Joseph Ndo (5 Danny Ventre 70), 10 Padraig Amond (9 Matthew Blinkhorn 70).
Subs not used: 19 Ciaran Kelly (GK), 4 Gavin Peers.
Booked: Amond.
UCD: 1 Gerard Barron; 2 Paul O'Connor, 5 Evan McMillan (Captain), 4 Andy Boyle, 3 Ciaran Nangle (12 Michael Leahy 73), 10 Dwayne Wilson (14 Karl Moore 64), 8 Stephen Roche (15 Graham Rusk 73), 6 Robbie Creevy, 7 Keith Ward, 11 Chris Mulhall; 9 Ciaran Kilduff.
Subs not used: 16 Billy Brennan (GK), 13 David O'Connor.
Booked: None.
Referee: Dave McKeon (Dublin).

Sligo Rovers vs. U.C.D. tonight.

Tonight Sligo Rovers take on U.C.D. at the Showgrounds @ 7:45.
If your mind is unmade about going please choose to as it would be great to get a big croud like last week about Everton plus Rovers and U.C.D. are areguably the best footballing teams in the league which makes for a great match.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Team news for U.C.D. game.

Paul Cook will be without midfielders Richie Ryan and John Russell for Saturday evenings Airtricity League game against UCD...

Ryan is suspended after his red card in The Carlisle Ground last week while Russell is yet to recover from a head injury he received in training. This leaves two positions up for grabs in the centre of midfield. Conor O'Grady is set to continue is place in the heart of the midfield, while Cook will decide later in the week who takes the other. Richard Brush and Mauro Almeida continue their time on the sidelines with long term injuries.
Gavin Peers is expected to return after he missed the Bray game through suspension,while Romuald Boco is set to make his second competitive home debut after scoring twice in three days against Bray and Everton.

As for U.C.D. Greg Bolger and Paul Corry will be missing. Greg Bolger is missing as he starts a two match suspention and Paul Corry is rested due to medical advice as he received a concusion in the first 10 mins against Dundalk. The good news for U.C.D. fans is that Brian Shortall may be fit enough for a place on the bench, he will face a late fitness test.

Kick-off is 7.45pm at The Showgrounds on Saturday evening.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Suspentions

Sligo Rovers central midfielder Richie Ryan is suspended for the encounter against U.C.D. this Saturday as he received a red card against Bray last weekend, Gerry Carr is also banned from the technical area for this match.
U.C.D.'s player Greg Bolger is also suspended for this match.

Suspensions for other teams in the premier and 1st division are as follows:

PAT FLYNN (Shamrock Rovers)
DAVID McDAID (Derry City)  
TONY SHIELDS (Finn Harps)
RYAN GUY (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
SEAN KELLY (Limerick)
STEPHEN MAHER (Dundalk)
STEPHEN MULCAHY (Cork City Foras Co-op)
MICHAEL QUIRKE (Salthill Devon)
CHRIS SHIELDS (Bray Wanderers)
AUSTIN SKELLY (Athlone Town)
JOHN TIERNEY (Limerick)
CHRIS TURNER (Shamrock Rovers)
PETER WHITE (Limerick)
DARREN YOUNG (Mervue United)

Sligo Rovers vs Everton pictures

Here are some pictures from the Sligo Rovers vs. Everton match.

:Thanks to Darek Novak from www.PhotoSligo.com (linked) for photos


  Thanks to Darek Novak from www.PhotoSligo.com (linked) for photos

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Everton attedence

The official atedence for the Sligo Rovers vs. Everton match was 3600

Monday, August 9, 2010

Sligo Rovers vs Everton match report

Sligo Rovers earned a comfortable win against Everton in a freindly at The Showgrounds.
Alan Stubbs handed Shane Duffy his first start since the horrific injury he picked up on international duty whilst homecoming hero Seamus Coleman was granted permission to play the first ten minutes before enjoying a rousing reception from the Showgrounds regulars when he was replaced by Aristote Nsiala.

Neither side troubled the opposition goalkeeper during a scrappy opening period but as the half wore on, Sligo began to impose themselves in the game and it was by no means against the run of play when John Dillon created space for himself on the edge of the box and fired a sweet low finish past Turner.
There was a real flashpoint just before the break when first Jose Baxter and then Shane Duffy attempted to impede Romauld Boco and after the second challenge a ‘free-for-all’ broke out that included several players from both teams. During the unsightly melee Duffy shoved Richie Ryan to the floor and referee Conor Fitzgerald was lenient with his decision to show the big defender a yellow rather than a red card.
Early in the second half, James Wallece slipped Jose Baxter in on goal with a very nicely weighted pass but Sligo keeper Ciaran Kelly smothered the eventual shot and a great block by Duffy denied Gary McCabe at the other end.
The young Irishman was involved at the other end in the 62nd minute when his powerful header from a Baxter free-kick was tipped over the bar by Kelly.
The advantage was doubled in the 71st minute when Boco, a Benin international in his second spell with Sligo, forced home a loose ball inside the Everton six-yard box. There was no way for The Toffees although Baxter did at least hit the target with an effort from distance that Kelly comfortably gathered.