Sligo Rovers are unbeaten in all but one of our last seven games after a resolute Bit O’Red picked up a much deserved point from Tolka Park on Friday evening. 

Both sides had chances in this game, with Rovers goalkeeper Sam Sargeant putting in another stellar performance to keep Shelbourne scoreless as he claimed his third clean sheet in his last five appearances. 

Rovers may have taken the full quota of points from this one with a little more luck.

Archie Meekison looked like he had put Rovers in the lead in the second half, but the linesman somewhat controversially ruled out the goal for offside. While Ollie Denham went close at the death as Rovers moved to within five points of the top four.

John Russell welcomed back Daire Patton and Sean McHale for this one and it was the Rovers rearguard who were the busier in the opening half. 

Net minder Sargeant reacted quickly to palm away a John Martin header low down on eleven minutes, while the Londonder denied Ali Coote and Harry Wood. While Rovers’ Carl McHugh tested Wessell Speel in the Shels nets with a header from a cross from April’s player of the month Will Fitzgerald.

The second half was 12 minutes old when Rovers were denied what looked like a legitimate goal.

The superb Gareth McElroy headed a Fitzgerald corner into the air for Meekison to nod past Speel from 3 yards for what looked like the opener. Rovers’ celebrations were cut short however when the referee’s assistant on the far side decided that the former Bohs man was offside despite a Shels player standing at the back post. 

Joey O’Brien’s outfit had a couple of chances in the second half but couldn’t find a way past that steadfast Rovers rearguard. 

Sligo almost scored a late winner when centre half Denham found himself in unfamiliar territory in front of goal. The defender smartly laid a Shels man on his back as he executed a turn to make the angle for himself before firing narrowly wide of Speel’s goal. 

Rovers’ next game is a huge provincial derby with Galway United at the Showgrounds on Saturday, May 16th. Kick-off 7.45pm. 

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel; Sam Bone, Paddy Barrett, Kameron Ledwidge;JJ Lunney, Kerr McInroy (Ellis Chapman 77); Evan Caffrey (Sean Moore 77), Jack Henry-Francis (Ali Coote 23), Harry Wood, Will Jarvis (Maill Lundgren 64); John Martin (Sean Boyd 64).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sergeant; Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Sean McHale; Will Fitzgerald, James McManus, Carl McHugh (Shane Blaney 63), Sean Stewart (Kyle McDonagh 72); Archie Meekison (Alex Nolan 90), Daire Patton; Cian Kavanagh.

Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin).

Attendance: 3,610.

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers midfielder Will Fitzgerald has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for April.

The Bit O’Red winger topped the players’ poll ahead of Pat’s Kian Leavey and Dundalk’s Gbemi Arubi and also finished ahead of Galway’s David Hurley, Danny Grant of Shamrock Rovers and Derry goalkeeper Ed Beach. 

He is the fifth Bit O’Red player to win the award in the last five years after Greg Bolger (2021), Adian Keena (x2) (2024) and Wilson Waweru (2025). 

The Limerick native has been a constant for Rovers this season, playing each and every minute of our 16 games so far this season, scoring four times and contributing to several goals. 

Club captain, he made his 156th appearance for the club against Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Friday night last and recently surpassed his 250th League of Ireland cap. He has assisted in 31 goals in his time at the Showgrounds so far. 

He has played an integral part of Rovers’ recent good form, scoring in consecutive wins over Bohs, Waterford and Dundalk. 

“Sligo is my second home now and I have enjoyed every minute of it since coming up here to the north-west of the country. We have a great club and a great fan base,” said Fitzgerald on accepting the award.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that things are picking up for us as a team and our performance levels have picked up big time in the last month. It was a very difficult start to the season for us with a lot of new players, but once the weather improves, the results start to pick up and the pitches start to get a bit better too.

“We can focus on our style of play that we have worked so hard on every day in training. We just needed that confidence boost with that win against Bohemians away and that’s what led us to go on our current run of results and to put points on the board. 

“I think I have matured as a player and this is my tenth season in the League of Ireland. I have enjoyed every minute of my career so far. I have matured off the pitch as well and that extra responsibility of being appointed club captain is a huge honour for me and my family,” he added.

“John Russell has been a massive influence on my career and anyone who has been around the club in recent years and worked under him, they have huge respect for the man not just as manager but the person he is. We have full belief in him and we always have even after the tough start we had to the season.

“He sets the work ethic every single day and when you have your manager working that hard for the club, it trickles down to the senior and younger players and that makes my job as captain that much easier. I have the utmost respect for John (Russell) and he has a long and successful managerial career ahead of him.” 

Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team return to the east coast for the second time in the space of eight days tonight, this time travelling to the capital to take on Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Kick-off in Drumcondra is 7.45pm as both sides face off in round 16 of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, the second match between the clubs this season.

Daniel Kelly scored the only goal of a tightly fought contest at the Showgrounds back in March, the only meeting of the clubs so far in 2026. While the Bit O’Red will be looking for a first win at Tolka since 2024, a victory which would move Rovers ahead of Shels in the table. 

John Russell’s side come into this contest in the better form with three wins and a draw from their last five, while the Dubliners have taken four points from their last five. 

The Rovers boss will again be without a few bodies due to injury, but defender Sean McHale will return having missed Monday’s eventful draw with Pat’s due to the rules of his loan. As of Thursday evening, Russell also hopes that Ciaron Harkin and Jeannot Esua will be fit enough to be included in the match day squad at least. 

“We’ve shown good grit and real determination in recent weeks and not always under easy circumstances”, Russell says ahead of tonight’s game. 

“We’ve been without our full compliment for pretty much all season. We haven’t had a fully fit squad yet. But the players that we’ve called on throughout, I cannot question their character or willingness to fight for everything and we’ll need them all again. 

“We’ve come from behind in a few games too and a few lads are playing with niggles so we’ve all really been together as a unit, all pushing in the same direction.

“They’re such honest players and give it all for each other. They’ve left everything on the pitch the last few months and they will have to do it again tonight in Dublin.

“Prep has been good for this one. It’s always tough to have three games in such a short space of time but we’re ready to go.”

Tolka Park hasn’t been the kindest of venues to travelling Rovers sides in recent years. Sligo have only managed one win there since 2022 but Russell knows his team have it in them to take the game to Joey O’Brien’s men.

“It’s going to be tough, no doubt. They have some of the best players in the country and have experience all over the pitch and on the bench”, he says.

“They went very close to winning a Dublin derby against Bohs last week and we need to be careful that they don’t hit us with a backlash tonight. But you have to expect it at least. 

“We’ve given some good teams a good rattle in recent weeks and we’re full of confidence and really looking forward to this one.

“We’re scoring goals, creating chances and we’ve only conceded three in our last six so we’ll be looking to give a good account of ourselves up there.

“Tolka is always tough but you’re always striving to get that consistency in your play and a few good results in a row. If we can continue the way we’re going, then we won’t be far off keeping up this good form.”

David Goulden

Match Sponsor: The Junction, Collooney.

Match Ball Sponsor: SealTec.

David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Sligo Rovers stretched our unbeaten home run to four games as the Bit O’Red picked up a much deserved point against St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds. 

Kian Leavy hit a stunning opener early, while Rovers battled back to level the game before the break when Archie Meekison converted from the penalty spot.

This result extends Sligo’s run without defeat at the Showgrounds while Pat’s now sit three points off the lead having dropped points in both Galway and in this one. 

Unbeaten at home in three, Rovers came into this game without seven match day regulars including defender Sean McHale who sat this one out due to the terms of his loan from the Saints. Boss John Russell made two changes to the side who were narrowly overcome by Drogheda on May Day. Alex Nolan and Shane Blaney, his first start in twelve games following a torn hamstring, replacing Daire Patton and the ineligible McHale respectively.

Seeking a return to the league summit, Stephen Kenny made two switches from the late drama in Galway on Friday with defenders Sean Hoare and Anto Breslin back in the starting eleven.

The visitors laid down a marker early on in this one and were ahead courtesy of the superb Leavy after just seven minutes. 

The Ardee man found space by playing a neat one-two with skipper Joe Redmond, before peeling away from the pack and delivering a sublime left-footed finish from the edge of the Rovers area, which swerved around the reach of Sligo goalkeeper Sam Sargeant. 

It was mostly one-way traffic in this opening period as Rovers struggled to get the ball forward early on. 

Sargeant pulled off a wonderful reaction save to fist Jamie Lennon’s thunderous first time volley onto his own crossbar on 32 minutes after Sean Stewart cleared a James Brown corner only as far as the Pat’s midfielder. While the same player skied an effort from a similar position after Rovers struggled to clear their lines. 

The hosts found themselves level five minutes before the break. Rovers midfielder Carl McHugh looked like he had crashed into Luke Turner as the Saints defender tried to clear the ball. However, having spotted an infrigment on Turner’s behalf, referee Marc Lynch awarded a penalty to Sligo. 

Meekison didn’t allow the brief Pat’s protests to affect him as he slotted the ball beyond Joe Anang, sending the Ghanian the wrong way for his second goal in four outings. 

The Dubliners were almost caught out by a Sligo counter on 55 when Meekison played the ball into the path of Cian Kavanagh who didn’t spot the run of the unmarked Alex Nolan to his right. Running out of options, Kavanagh could only fire the ball against a defender’s leg and the opportunity was gone. 

Rovers’ James McManus’ effort at the first attempt from an Ollie Denham cross spun past Anang’s post mid-way through the second period as Rovers looked much more comfortable in this game. 

Nolan might have done better with Rovers’ next chance twelve from time when Denham found the former Saint on his own at the edge of the area. But Nolan’s resulting effort lacked conviction. 

The Inchicore men did have two late opportunities to take the points. Substitute Glory Nzingo fired over from the angle eight from time after skipping past the hard working McHugh. While Max Mata, who spent two terms in Sligo, blazed over on the volley in the fifth minute of added time. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Ollie Denham, Shane Blaney, Gareth McElroy; Will Fitzgerald, Sean Stewart (Kyle McDonagh 70); James McManus, Carl McHugh (Daire Patton 84), Archie Meekison; Alex Nolan; Cian Kavanagh. 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Joe Anang; Luke Turner, Sean Hoare, Joe Redmond; James Brown (Zach Elbouzedi 63), Anto Breslin (Jason McClelland 78); Jamie Lennon (Darragh Nugent 63), Barry Baggley; Kian Leavy, Chris Forrester (Glory Nzingo 63); Ryan Edmondson (Max Mata 78).  

Referee: Marc Lynch. 

Attendance: 3,163. 

Sligo Rovers are back at home this Bank Holiday Monday evening to face St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds, kick-off 5pm. 

Today’s Match Sponsor is Sligo Junction, Collooney while Match Ball Sponsor is Sealtec. 

The Bit O’Red will look to return to winning ways after defeat to Drogheda United on Friday ended a four match unbeaten run. 

Mark Doyle hit the game’s only goal in the opening quarter and despite Rovers asking plenty of United in the second half, John Russell’s side were unable to breach a dogged Drogs rearguard.

Tonight’s game is the second meeting between Rovers and the Saints this term. Stephen Kenny’s side came out the winners in our meeting last month, despite Sligo taking an early lead. 

The Dubliners will arrive on Church Hill this afternoon on the back of two wins, two defeats and a draw in their last five. The Inchicore based outfit surrendered a two goal lead in Galway on Friday night, allowing Shamrock Rovers to take the top spot going into today’s round of games after the Tribesmen struck in the fourth minute of added time to claim a 2-2 draw.

Rovers have a mixed record at the Showgrounds against the Saints in recent seasons with three wins and the same number of defeats on home soil against Pat’s in the last three seasons. Pat’s last visit to Sligo ended in a one goal win for Rovers with Jad Hakiki hitting the winner that day. 

Russell will potentially be without a number of players for today’s game. While a few bodies will be assessed this afternoon after picking up niggles in that loss in Louth.   

This evening is a chance for Rovers to quickly bounce back from that defeat at Sullivan and Lambe Park and Russell has reiterated that ahead of the game.

“We were very disappointed with how things ended up in Drogheda. I thought we struggled a little in the first half but we dominated the play in the second”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“I thought our hard work, the amount of chances we had in the second half and our heavy press meant we deserved something out of the game.

“How and ever it wasn’t to be but Drogheda away is done with now.

“The positive is that we have a nice quick turnaround to the Pat’s game that keeps us on our toes. We’re down bodies again and it will be tough but it’s a huge chance for players to come in and impress.

“Pat’s are near the top for a reason. They have a really big squad and have experience and class to call upon when needed and tonight’s game will be a real challenge for us.

“But I thought we did everything well in the second half in Drogheda. We did everything bar put the ball past their keeper and I think if we can keep that momentum running into this game, then we’ll do well.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers men’s senior team slipped back to ninth spot in the Premier Division table after a narrow one goal defeat to Drogheda United at Sullivan and Lambe Park.

Mary Doyle struck for the game’s only goal in the first half and although Rovers dominated the play in the second period, the Bit O’Red’s four match unbeaten streak ultimately came to an end. 

Drogs went ahead on 14 minutes when Conor Keeley guided Brandon Kavanagh’s corner towards Doyle who fired past Sam Sargeant from two yards out. 

Rovers weren’t at our best in the opening 45 but did have a chance late in the half courtesy of a Carl McHugh header.

While John Russell’s charges were denied a penalty when former full back Edwin Agbaje missed his attempt at clearing Archie Meekison’s cross. 

The ball hopped up and clearly struck the defender’s arm, changing the trajectory of the ball. However referee Kevin O’Sullivan saw the incident differently and immediately waved away Sligo’s claims. 

Rovers were much sharper in the second period, with Sargeant going long periods without being tested. 

At the far end, Meekison worked Flynn Talley with a header from a Sean Stewart cross while Sean McHale nodded Meekison’s corner onto the roof of the net shortly after. 

It was Rovers who were asking all the questions in the second half, but it wasn’t to be for the away side who move on to Monday’s game with St Patrick’s Athletic. Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 5pm. 

Drogheda United: Flynn Talley; Edwin Agbaje, Andrew Quinn, Conor Keeley, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan, Shane Farrell; Warren Davis (Jason Bucknor, 81), Brandon Kavanagh (Jago Godden, 61), Thomas Oluwa; Mark Doyle (Kieran Cruise, 71).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Sean McHale, Gareth McElroy, Ollie Denham, Sean Stewart (Alex Nolan, 75); Carl McHugh, James McManus; Archie Meekison; Daire Patton (Mai Traore, 82), Cian Kananagh, Will Fitzgerald.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

Sligo Rovers will look to win four Premier Division games in a row for the first time since summer 2024 as we travel to Sullivan and Lambe Park to take on Drogheda United this Friday, kick-off 7.45pm. 

This will be the Bit O’Red’s first visit to Windmill Road this season, as Rovers look to win at the County Louth venue for the first time since 2022.

Recent impressive form sees John Russell’s men unbeaten in four and seeking as many wins on the spin ahead of another busy bank holiday weekend with St Pat’s the visitors to Sligo on Monday evening. 

Rovers come into this game in seventh position, one point ahead of Drogs following straight wins over Bohs, Waterford and Dundalk. While United, who have one game less played, find themselves second from bottom following recent defeats to St Pat’s and Galway. Although they did pull off a magnificent comeback win over Shelbourne last weekend, winning 4-3 after being two goals down. 

Rovers will look to win for the fourth time on the bounce for the first time in almost two years. The last time Rovers achieved such a feat was in June and July 2024 with consecutive defeats of Galway, Bohs, Derry and Shamrock Rovers. 

Friday’s contest will be the second meeting between the clubs in 2026. 

The now in-form Will Fitzgerald opened the scoring when the sides last went up against each other at the Showgrounds in March. Mark Doyle replied to Alex Nolan’s goal shortly after Nolan had put Rovers two ahead, but Sligo held out for what was our first win of the season. 

Seeking that first win in Drogheda as Rovers boss, Russell will again be missing the injured Ryan O’Kane, Conor Renolds, Seb Quirk and Ciaron Harkin for this one. As of Thursday morning, it looks likely that both Jeannot Esua and Jad Hakiki will also have to sit this one out due to knocks picked up in the win over Dundalk. 

“We may be down a few bodies again which is really frustrating”, Russell tells sligorovers.com ahead of the game.

“A week or two ago, it looked like lads were coming back in but unfortunately, we are down a few more going to Drogheda. However, that’s football and we’re in really good form going up there and we have proven before that we can come away with good results by using our full squad. We have huge belief in everyone involved and the last few weeks have proven that we have some really good players in our squad who can make a real difference at any point. 

“We’re going up there to win and keep this run going. We’ve been really impressive all over the pitch in our last few games so we’re encouraging the players to keep this run going.

A win for Rovers would be a first on Boyneside in nine attempts should we come out on top. With this to the front of minds, Russell knows the enormity of the task at hand. 

“We’re under now illusions as to how tough this game will be. They’ll be riding high after last week’s win at Tolka. It’ll do a lot for them. They’re a very strong side and they can really hurt you up there. There’s always good noise up there and they feed off the crowd when things are going well. We’ve been on the wrong side of it a few times in the last few years but we’re looking forward to getting out there again. 

“It’s up to us to keep them quiet and go about our own business.”

David Goulden

David Goulden at the Showgrounds

Match Sponsor: Hegarty and Armstrong Solcitors.

Match Ball Sponsor: EngDoc.

Sligo Rovers’ steady upturn in form continued as goals from Will Fitzgerald and Cian Kavanagh saw an impressive Bit O’Red pick up our third win on the spin, beating in-form Dundalk at the Showgrounds.

The result sees Rovers jump over both Drogheda and Shelbourne and into seventh spot and inflicts a first defeat in nine on the Lilywhites who were kept scoreless for just the second time this season. The victory extends Rovers’ unbeaten run to four ahead of next Friday’s trip to face Drogs.  

Without defeat in three heading into this one, Rovers manager John Russell kept faith with the team and shape of the side which overcame Waterford in Sligo a week previous. 

While seeking to continue their impressive early season form, Dundalk looked to continue their chase of the top two with a first win in Sligo since October 2023. Ciaran Kilduff made the one change from their win over Galway United at Oriel Park last week, replacing the absent JR Wilson with Declan McDaid whose brace swung that meeting with the Tribesmen in their favour. 

Played at a high tempo on a balmy evening under Benbulben, Rovers produced the best of the fare in the opening half, although the visitors did have chances and a share of the possession. 

Dundalk’s Harvey Warren almost turned the ball into his own goal as he attempted to clear a Fitzgerald cross three minutes in. While Kavanagh and Gareth McElroy both had chances from the resulting corner as Rovers pressed early on. 

Gbemi Arubi almost caught Sligo out moments later when Jeannot Esua’s mistake allowed the 21-year-old hit an effort from inside his own half. 

Skipper Fitzgerald has been in sparkling form for the home side this season and hit his third goal in as many games on 12 minutes. 

Dundalk keeper Enda Minogue made a mess of an attempted clearance when he collided with Kavanagh as he tried to punch clear an Esua ball into the box. The ball landed with Fitzgerald who lobbed the ball over Minogue as he scrambled back. 

Rovers’ Archie Meekison impressed throughout and went close on 23 minutes while the same player fired over a powerful volley at the end of the half as the home side relentlessly hunted a second goal. 

The loss of Esua to injury on 33 minutes seemed to affect Sligo’s focus after the half hour, but Dundalk’s push for a leveller before the interval was unsuccessful. Ronan Teahan going close from the edge of the area.

The second half was just three minutes old when Kavanagh struck for his first goal in 13 appearances. Meekison deftly tipped the ball over the top for the Dubliner who drilled the ball beyond Minogue for a richly warranted first goal of the season. 

Rovers net minder Sam Sargeant was in superb form all evening and preserved the lead on the hour when he reacted magnificently to push an Arubi blast from close range onto his own crossbar. While Eoin Kenny pulled his shot across the face of Sargeant’s goal on 70 following a speedy Lilywhites counter.

Sargeant went to his top corner to pull off another great save to deny substitute Harry Groome’s drive from 25 yards with twelve minutes to go as the First Division holders’ frustration continued. 

The Louth side threw everything at it late on but heroic defending from Rovers kept their opponents at arm’s length, including a brave block on the line from Gareth McElroy who kept out a Leonardo Gaxha shot in added time.  

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Sean McHale; Jeannot Esua (Sean Stewart 33), Will Fitzgerald; Carl McHugh (Jad Hakiki 69), James McManus; Daire Patton (Shane Blaney 80); Archie Meekison; Cian Kavanagh. 

Dundalk: Enda Minogue; Tyreke Wilson, Mayowa Animasahun, Harvey Warren, Bobby Burns; Ronan Tehan (Leonardo Gaxha 85), Keith Buckley (Shane Tracey 63); Daryl Horgan, Eoin Kenny, Declan McDaid (Aodh Dervin 63); Gbemi Arubi (Harry Groome 64). 

Referee: Declan Toland. 

Attendance:  2,691.

Sligo Rovers will look to continue our good recent run of form when Dundalk visit the Showgrounds this Saturday evening as we welcome the high-flying Lilywhites to Sligo for the first time this season, kick-off 7.45pm.

Saturday’s match sponsor is Hegarty and Armstrong Solicitors, while EngDoc are our match ball sponsors.

Following a great start to their first season back in the Premier Division, Ciaran Kilduff’s side have picked up three wins from their last five. Form which sees them in third spot after twelve games ahead of this weekend’s action. They are also the league’s top goal-scorers with 22 goals. 

Rovers find ourselves in steady shape too. The Bit O’Red are unbeaten in three and are looking for a third win on the spin after fantastic defeats of both Bohs and Waterford recently. John Russell’s men are this Saturday, on the hunt for a fourth league victory of the season and could possibly move into seventh with a win, depending on Friday night’s results. 

This will be the second meeting of Rovers and Dundalk in 2026. Sligo were narrowly beaten by the Louth outfit at Oriel Park back in March after a controversial late penalty was dispatched by Dundalk skipper and former Rovers winger Daryl Horgan. 

In team news and as of Friday morning, Rovers will again be without Ryan O’Kane, Conor Reynolds, Seb Quirk and Ciaron Harkin, each of whom are injured. Russell is hopeful that left back Sean Stewart can make the matchday squad at least having missed the last eight games with ankle trouble. 

After that really impressive performance against Waterford last week, Russell is hoping his team can keep momentum rolling against last year’s First Division winners. 

“We’re at home again and it’s a really big opportunity for us”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“I was delighted with both the team and individual performances against Waterford. We could have had four or five on the night with the amount of chances we had and that’s our second clean sheet in three games. There were a huge amount of positives to pull from it. Now we have to work hard to get even better and keep this run going. 

“Dundalk will provide us with a big challenge on Saturday. They have goals everywhere and have options from the bench. They’ve done really well to come straight back up and start so well.

“We’re hopeful we’ll have Sean (Stewart) back this weekend so it means as weeks go on, we’re getting bodies back fit. 

“As games go by and the weeks go on, we’re all getting more and more used to each other’s style and ways. It looks similar to last season, where we’re getting better as the weeks go on. Dundalk will be a really good test of where we are at the moment. This league is relentless and there’s no let up.

“We feel like we maybe owe them one after our last game”, Russell continued. 

“We dominated large parts of that game up in Dundalk, early on and particularly in the second half. We played quite well. We hit the post and the crossbar and they won the game late on which we felt reflected harshly on our performance.

“I think we can expect a similarly tight game again on Saturday.” 

David Goulden

David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Match Sponsor: Cosgrove’s Centra, Maugheraboy

Match Ball Sponsor: Chrissy’s Chippy, Foxford. 

Goals from Archie Meekison and Will Ftizgerald saw Sligo Rovers pick up our first back-to-back wins of the season as the Bt O’Red saw off the league’s bottom side Waterford at the Showgrounds.

Meekison scored from a Fitzgerald cross in the opening half while roles reversed in the second as Fitzgerald turned home a Meekison assist to double the Bit O’Red’s lead just shy of the hour.

The result lifts the Bit O’Red out of the bottom two for the first time this season and extends our unbeaten run to three, while a despondent Blues continue to look for their first victory of 2026.

Searching for consecutive wins for the first time since last September, Rovers boss John Russell made just the one change from last week’s defeat of Bohemians. James McManus, ineligible against his parent club, returned in place of Alex Nolan. 

Without victory in competitive competition since their relegation play-off win over Bray last November ahead of kick-off, Waterford made no less than five changes from an encouraging draw in Dalymount a fortnight ago. 

Unbeaten in two having drawn against both Shamrock Rovers and Bohs recently, Jon Daly hoped for a first victory of the season at the eleventh attempt, bringing Benny Couto, Trae Coyle, Kevin Long, Luke Heeney and Jorgen Voilas all back to the fold.

Sligo led this game by a goal at half-time but will wonder how they didn’t stretch their lead further before the interval although it was the visitors who should have gone ahead on 16 minutes. Violas kicked fresh air as he aimed to meet Coyle’s cross just five yards from goal. 

Waterford instantly regretted this as they fell behind two minutes later. The ever reliant Fitzgerald doing all the hard work down his left side before sending a ball across the face of Arlo Doherty’s goal for Meekison who tapped home for his first goal for Rovers. 

It was all one way traffic from here until the break. 

Daire Patton, Ollie Denham and Sean McHale all had opportunities while Carl McHugh fired narrowly over on the half volley three minutes from half time. 

Daly hauled off duo Alan Zborowski and Jorgen Voilas late in the first half in an attempt to rejuvenate the league’s bottom side. 

Irish international Kevin Long went close early in the second period, but any optimism garnered by the Munster men was short lived. Goal-scorer Meekison turned provider as he landed a cross which Doherty flapped at but Fitzgerald profited from, as the Limerick man netted his third of the term. 

A great reaction save from Sligo keeper Sam Sargeant kept his old club at arm’s length as the Londoner denied Benny Couto on 65. While Doherty kept his team alive ten minutes later when he pulled off a wonderful stop of his own to keep out Cian Kavanagh’s header. 

The RSC side thought they had delivered a late scare when Luke Heeney found the net with eight to go. But the referee’s assistant on the Jinks’ Avenue side of the ground adjudged the former Drogheda man to be offside, much to the frustration of the Blues’ bench who were convinced the goal was legitimate. 

Next up for Rovers is another crucial league game at home. Dundalk provide the opposition at the Showgrounds on Saturday April 25th, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Gareth McElroy, Ollie Denham, Sean McHale; Jeannot Esua, Will Fitzgerald; Carl McHugh, James McManus (Shane Blaney 77); Daire Patton (Alex Nolan 77), Archie Meekison; Cian Kavanagh.  

Waterford: Arlo Doherty; Alan Zborowski (Jordan Houston 41), John Mahon, Kevin Long, Bernardo Couto; Luke Heeney, Dean McMenamy (Sam Glenfield 60), Evan McLaughlin (Conor Carty 60); Trae Coyle, Jorgen Voilas (Hayden Cann 41); Padraig Amond (Tommy Lonergan 70). 

Referee: Arnold Hunter.