The Showgrounds hosts Sligo Rovers’ final Premier Division game before the short summer break as Bohemians visit Church Hill for the second time this season, this Friday evening, kick-off 7.45pm.
Match Day Sponsor for this huge fixture is Nathaniel Lacy and Partners Solicitors, Sligo.
Match Ball Sponsor is the Sligo branch of the Liverpool Supporters’ Club.
Buoyed by last week’s late win at Tallaght Stadium, the Bit O’Red will look to go into the break on a positive note against a Bohs side who were unbeaten in their last five before their own late drama against Shamrock Rovers on Monday night.
This will be the third meeting between Rovers and Bohs this year, with one win each for either side. The Dubliners trounced Rovers by four goals to nil back in February at the Showgrounds, while goals from captain Will Fitzgerald and Sean McHale inflicted on the Gypsies, their first defeat of the season last month.
In team news and as of Thursday evening, Rovers will again be without Jad Hakiki who looks set to likely miss the remainder of the season after he underwent surgery on a foot injury this week.
Archie Meekison will miss approximately the next eight weeks with a knee injury. While Seb Quirk’s return date is set for mid-to late July following a hamstring tear.
Defenders Conor Reynolds and Sean Stewart also miss out. As does midfielder James McManus who cannot play, owing to the terms of his loan deal from the Dalymount side.
New signing Kevin Zefi will be in contention should his international transfer clearance come through in time.
“It’s looking like Seb and Archie have a bit to go yet and we wish Jad all the best in his recovery”, manager John Russell updates sligorovers.com.
“We know Jad will come back even stronger. He went for surgery Thursday. It’s a shame to have him out for so long as he is one of the stand-out players in the league on his day. But as always, it has given and will give our squad players the chance to show us what they can do.
“We’re not sure on Kevin but fingers crossed, the paper work will be through in time for him to play some part.”
Russell hopes his players can follow on from last Friday’s heroics against Shams and is looking to go into the break with a good result.
“Last week was special because we showed a lot of character and determination to pull ourselves out of a situation and turn it into a positive”, he continues.
“Shams hadn’t been beaten at home until then, we went behind, then we lose Ciaron Harkin having only brought him on. We had to make a few changes and switch things around and that tested us.
“But the players were fearless and reacted so well to the situation. The game plan was carried out to perfection and that’s what you need to do in this league to be successful week in, week out. We kept going to the very last whistle.
“We’ll need to do it again on Friday. Bohs will sting from Monday night and we know they’ll come here looking for a reaction from themselves. They’ve a big squad, plenty of depth and they have some of the best players in the league. We saw it in Sligo at the start of the season, they will punish you if your guard is down.”
Hoping for a big attendance this evening, Russell signs off: “We can’t wait. The boys have had a good bounce off last week and we know we’re a match for anyone at the Showgrounds.
“It’s our last game for a few weeks here and we’re looking to sign off on the first half of the year on a high. Bohs always travel well and bring big numbers so hopefully there’ll be a proper big game atmosphere.”
David Goulden