It was like the heady days of a decade ago or thereabouts. The memories came flooding back – Sanchez, Gilzean, Mulligan, Moran, Annand, Dykes and others.

About five minutes before half-time the atmosphere was almost at fever pitch.
And this was a Tuesday night which clashed with the opening phase of the Champions League. Supporters, one and all, take a well deserved bow. You demonstrated that you still have the passion.

So the final act on the night went a bit flat. So what.
We almost pounded Cork City into submission. It was one of those games where the bounce of the ball did not favour us. You get that during the season. We could have gone in with a 3-1 lead at half-time. We could have had another one or two early in the second-half, but it just went against us.

We were excellent for about 50 of the 90 minutes. That’s something to build on. If we can do it for 50 minutes against Cork, then there is no reason why we can’t do it for 60 or 70 the next time, in a few weeks when we go to Cork. Something for the team to aim for.

However, what we need now is the same show of support for the next home games – against St. Pat’s and the following week against Killester. Both games must be won, but the reaction of the supporters will be crucial.

Come out in numbers, like you did last Tuesday night, and it will prove to very intimidating for both Dublin teams.

Stay away, like you have done for most of the season, and it will say something to the team without having to use words.

Silly mistakes were costly against Cork, but what I took home from the game was that there is still a huge well of support for Sligo Rovers. Hopefully, it will be replicated in the five remaining home games that we know about.

Cash at the turnstiles is more important now if we want to keep the nucleus of this team together for next season. Ultimately, it’s down to us, on the sidelines, as much as it is the responsibility of those inside the lines.


by Conall Collier