Sligo Rovers’ relegation to the First Division was confirmed on Friday night after the Bit O’Red fell to a heavy 5-1 defeat to Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Kaiyne Woolery struck for Rovers’ only goal of the game when he levelled Dan Kelly’s opener. 

However, quick-fire second half goals from Mipo Odubeko, John Martin, Milan Mbeng and Martin’s second on the hour rounded off a tough start to the second half for Darren Purse’s side from which they had no chance to recover.

The results means our relegation to the second tier is decided and we will play in the second tier for the first time since 2005. 

This brings to an end Rovers’ 21-year run in the Premier Division, the longest current run of consecutive seasons in the top flight, outside of Bohs and Pat’s who have never been relegated.

Our next game is at home to Dundalk on Saturday October 17th. Kick-off in Sligo is 7.45pm. 

Shelbourne: Ed Beach; Milan Mbang (Marco Untergrabner 64), Kameron Ledwidge, Odhran Casey James Norris (James Roche 76); Kerr McInroy (c), John Henry Francis (Ali Coote 64); Daniel Kelly, (Sean Boyd 76) Sean Moore Evan Caffrey; Ademipo Odubeko (John Martin 51)

Sligo Rovers: Liam Hughes; Aidan Gabbidon (Kevin Zefi 65), Gareth McIlroy, Carl McHugh (c), Sean Stewart; Luke Young, Reuben Gillespie (Seb Quirk 58); James McManus (Daire Patton 58), Archie Meekison (Cian Kavanagh 58), Jack Shorrock; Kaiyne Woolery (Luke Pearse 81)

Referee: Paul McLoughlin