Sligo Rovers’ penultimate home game of 2026 takes place this Saturday as the Bit O’Red look to finish off what has been a tough season, on a positive note.

Dundalk are the visitors this weekend, kick-off 7.45pm with the Lilywhites coming to the Showgrounds looking to confirm their place in next year’s top flight. 

Saturday’s match night sponsor is Mooney’s Bar, Maugheraboy while match ball sponsor is The Fish Man, care of Martin McHugh. 

This game is Rovers’ first since relegation was confirmed last week following defeat to Shelbourne at Tolka Park. 

However, the re-build and preparation for 2027 has already begun with the news on Thursday evening that goalkeeper Liam Hughes has committed his future to the club, signing a fresh one-year deal. 

“He’s impressed me since he even got in the team”, Rovers boss Darren Purse tells sligorovers.com. 

“He hadn’t played for four or five months and he’s someone who will get better as he gets more time.

“He’s proven that he’s worthy of a new contract and he’ll fight it out with another goalkeeper next year for the shirt. How he does in the next three games, could put him in a really good position for next season.”

Reflecting on the disappointment of relegation, Purse is hopeful has challenged his players to complete the current campaign on an upward trajectory with games against Shamrock Rovers and Derry yet to come.  

“It hit me hard and I hope it hit the players hard too”, he admits. 

“It’s not really something you want on your CV, relegation and it’s one you have to take on the chin because we haven’t been good enough across the whole season. 

“The players now have their careers to play for in these last few games. The biggest motivation I can give them is, every time they put themselves across the white line, you’ve got to prove you’re good enough to play at the level you’re expected to play. Every time you take to the pitch, you’re there to be shot at and criticise you or praise you. 

“The question is now, can we go and get a bit of praise and try and finish the season on a high?”

Ciaran Kilduff’s Dundalk have only won once since June in the league, but will roll up at the Showgrounds knowing three points will be enough for them to avoid the relegation play-off.

Previewing the tie, Purse says there is still incentive there despite our fate already being decided. 

“They’ve done well to come up and find themselves in the position they’re in. They’ve a decent squad and a lot of experience but they’re not having a good run at the moment. For us, our motivation is can we go and put one over on them and get that win we’re desperate for?”

Rovers will be without captain Carl McHugh who limped out of the Shels game with a knee injury. While Seb Quirk and Daire Patton, both who were used subs in Dublin are pushing for starts. 

Purse also revealed that he is still holding talks with some players from the current squad about next season.

“There are conversations ongoing”. he concluded. 

“I don’t think there’ll be many new signings between now and the end of the season. 

“There are one or two that are here who I would like to keep but obviously that’s a decision that gets made between now and two or three weeks time. 

“Players will have options, but for me it’s about trying to keep our best players here and bring in the best we can. It’s a fine balancing act but we’re looking forward to a fresh start.” 

David Goulden

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

Darren Purse says Friday’s game with Shelbourne will afford further opportunities to both his younger and fringe players to put themselves in with a chance of being part of his Sligo Rovers squad for next season. 

The Bit O’Red travel to Tolka Park, kick-off 7.45pm, eleven points off the rest of the league with four games to go, meaning Rovers will more than likely play First Division football in 2027. 

But whilst attempting to see out what’s been a challenging 2026 in as positive a fashion as is possible, Purse is already planning for next season regardless of division status. 

“If you look at the teams I’ve put out the last few games, you’ll see we’re looking at next season”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“For me, it’s all about the performances. You look at the St Pat’s game where we ran them close. It was a game of two chances with Jack (Shorrock) and Aidan Keena and they took theirs. But that’s the story of the season when you look at the number of goals we’ve scored. 

“Players have to back themselves and put themselves in the picture to earn a contract for 2027 and go and be involved in a side that gets us back up.”

Purse says there has been a steady build up to Friday’s game, with the players afforded a small break after the Pat’s game, before returning to a ‘mini pre-season’. 

There were a few less experienced players who were unable to attend the full course of training such as Aidan Gabbidon, Charlie McGarvey and Jamie O’Donnell who were all on international duty with Ireland at their respective age grades. 

Purse was delighted to see the talent from our Abbvie Academy be recognised on an international stage, all which bodes well for the future. While he is hopeful that a few players will return from injury in time for Friday night. “We didn’t have a few of the boys because they were off on international duty and that’s a great thing in this context”, he continues. 

“It’s great that they’ve got recognition for how well they’ve done for the 20s and you’ve seen a few of them stepping up around the first team. From that point of view, it’s been pleasing. 

“I’ve watched a lot of those lads with the 20s and they’ve been in with the first team too. It was great to see that when I put them in, they back up your decision with performances. They’re somewhat learning on the job but they’re learning quickly. 

“We gave the lads a few days off as we’ve been struggling a bit with injuries. We’ve been trying to get one or two back fit and then we’ve had a bit of a mini pre-season which has been fantastic for the players. There’s been plenty of hard work put into the players. 

“We’ll have a few back. Seb Quirk is a possibility and he’s back in training which is great news for us. We’re hopeful he’ll be available.”

Purse also confirmed that midfielder Trey George’s time at the club has been cut short due to injury. 

The 20-year-old Welshman has returned to parent club Cardiff City having appeared six times for the club since coming in on loan in the late summer. 

“Trey’s hamstring injury was a big one and he was never going to be right between now and the end of our season”, Purse outlines. 

“It was the right thing to do, to let him go back to Cardiff and do his rehab there.”

 The Rovers boss also hinted that goalkeeper Liam Hughes will see out the rest of the year as first choice stopper, both to test him out and allow regular ‘keeper Sam Sargeant recover from a knock. 

“Liam’s really stepped up”, he says. 

“Sam has had a niggly shoulder which he was playing with but he’s taken himself out as he wants to get it right as the season comes to the close. That’s also why we have Charlie (McGarvey) on the bench recently. He’s another good, young promising player. 

“We needed to have a look at Liam. The position we’re in right now, it gives us a chance to look at him. There’s a little rustiness in him, as before I came in, he hadn’t kicked a ball. He’s slowly building in stature in training and games and he’ll only grow in the games he plays in in the next few weeks.”

Looking ahead to what is Rovers’ penultimate fixture away from the Showgrounds for 2026, Purse is expecting a tough tussle by the Tolka as Shels look for a second league win under former Sligo boss John Russell. 

He says: “John probably hasn’t got the results that their performances have warranted.

“But they look to play and play forward. It’s going to be tough but you look at the money some of the clubs in this division spend and you’ll see it was always going to be tough for us. But we’ll go to Dublin and give our best account of ourselves.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers were narrowly beaten by title chasers and league leaders St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds, although the result could have swung in the opposite direction with a little more luck on Darren Purse’s team’s side. 

Aidan Keena found the game’s only goal as a star-studded Saints returned to the Premier Division summit. The former Rovers striker making the most of a rare blot on Liam Hughes’ copy-book when the stand-in goalkeeper spilled an Anthony Olusanya shot into the path of Keena who couldn’t miss from close range. 

The Bit O’Red did have opportunities in this one and defended well against the Dubliners. The aforementioned Hughes pulled out really impressive stops to deny both Sean Hoare and match-winner Keena in the first half. 

While this game was decided within the space of a short moment in the second half. 

Joey Anang’s reactions saw him divert a Jack Shorrock effort onto his crossbar on 74, a chance which could have won the game for Sligo, seconds before Keena’s goal at the far end. 

Rovers now have a three week break before our trip to Tolka Park to face Shelbourne on October 9th. 

Sligo Rovers: Liam Hughes; Aidan Gabbidon, Gareth McElroy, Carl McHugh (Ollie Denham 79), Sean Stewart (Kevin Zefi 79); Rueben Gillespie, James McManus (Kaiyne Woolery 62), Luke Young; Archie Meekison, Jack Shorrock (Kyle McDonagh 79), Cian Kavanagh (Luke Pearse 70). 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Joe Anang; Luke Turner, Sean Hoare (Sean McHale 77), Joe Redmond, Anto Breslin (Jay McClelland 59); Barry Bagley (Chris Forrester 66), Jamie Lennon; Zach Elbouzedi, Ryan Sheridan (Darragh Nugent 77); Aidan Keena, Ryan Edmondson (Anthony Olusanya 59).  

Referee: Arnie Hunter.

Attendance: 2,189. 

Darren Purse says the belief he and his staff have in his squad is unwavering ahead of what is a pivotal four days in Sligo Rovers’ season.

Five points adrift at the foot of the Premier Division table, Rovers face second from bottom Drogheda United at Sullivan and Lambe Park on Friday at 7.45pm. While Galway United are the visitors to the Showgrounds on Monday night, for what will be the fourth and final Connacht derby of 2026. 

Seven games remain as Purse looks to maintain Rovers’ presence in the top flight, a run stretching back two decades. Only the never relegated St Pat’s and Bohs have a better current run in the division. 

Friday’s trip to Louth will also be our fourth meeting with Kevin Doherty’s side and a second for Purse who took charge at the Showgrounds for the first time against United back in July. That game ended in late heartbreak as Drogs snatched a late equaliser to deny Sligo a much needed win.

But Purse says he sees it in his team, the chance of a big weekend. He’s also hopeful that he’ll have a few players back, after there were some forced absentees for the cup defeat to Waterford last Friday. 

“We’ll prepare for these two games the same as any game gone by”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“We’ll be looking to go and win both games, the way we have done in every other game since I’ve been here. 

“Until it’s mathematically impossible for us to get out of it, then I will never say it’s over. 

“But starting Friday, that is such a big game for us and we need to come out with three points. Not a game has gone by that the players haven’t given me everything they have. They haven’t finished a game where they haven’t battled, haven’t tried. 

“Some of the teams we’ve played against have had that bit more quality, yes. But from an endeavour and intensity point of view, I think my players have been fantastic pros.  

“I think there’ll be one or two who missed out recently who should be back. We certainly should have a stronger bench than last week to change the game should we need to. So this week was about trying to manage the players’ work loads ahead of what’s going to be a hectic weekend. 

“We have two games now in four days and it’s about trying to put out the best possible side for both those games.”

The former Millwall and West Brom defender is under little illusion in terms of what is needed for a side who are without a league win since May, to go and win twice in four days. But Purse’s motivation to prove the doubters wrong and achieve something truly remarkable is driving him and his players on.  

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work, grit, determination and intensity but I believe we’ve got it in us”, he booms. 

“The players are in good form. I know the results don’t say it, but performance wise, they have shown what they can do but they need to produce starting Friday night. 

“Drogheda would be happy walking out of the ground with a draw Friday. That doesn’t mean they’ll look to play for it, I’m sure they’ll look to win and extend their lead. 

“So we need to be on it and I believe if our players play to the levels they can, we have enough in this squad that can win in Drogheda and do the same against Galway. If we can do that, then by Monday night, we’ll be looking at a different scenario than the one we’re in right now.

“If I’m lucky enough to keep us in the Premier Division, it’d be up there with some of my best achievements. I’ve been lucky enough to have some really great experiences in football. But that career is done and if I can pass on my experiences to these players and give them the best possible chance to achieve something, then that would be incredible. 

“But I always back myself, my staff and my players and I really do believe that we have enough in this group to get us out of it and hopefully that starts this weekend.” 

David Goulden

Darren Purse believes his Sligo Rovers side have it in them to produce the type of performance required to progress to the last four of the Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup, ahead of the Bit O’Red’s quarter-final tie with Waterford at the RSC on Friday. 

Rovers will look to progress to a first cup semi-final since 2020 as we take on what is the country’s form side. This last eight bout will be the fifth meeting between the sides this season, with both clubs winning one game each while the other two encounters ended in scoreless draws. 

Rovers reached the same stage last season, only to be knocked out by Kerry who we then progressed past this year, along with Janesboro in the round previous. While Waterford can count Cobh Ramblers and Athlone Town as the sides they’ve got past to date.

This will be Rovers and the Blues’ first cup meeting since 2013, when goals from Danny Ventre and Anthony Elding saw us overcome Waterford at the RSC on our way to our fifth FAI Cup triumph that year. 

Previous to that, Rovers beat Waterford in the 2009 semi-final at the Showgrounds, while Waterford were victors at the same venue in the third round two years previous. 

Back to present day and Rovers go to Munster to face Graham Coughlan’s men who are in the midst of an astonishing run of form. Bottom of the league a few months ago, they have only been beaten once in their last ten league games, winning six of those, including a four goal win over Rovers back in June.

“They’re up there with Shamrock Rovers in terms of current form and that tells a story”, Purse tells sligorovers.com. 

“As draws go, it’s a tough one. But we know that on any given day, anyone can beat anyone on any given day in this division. If we produce a similar performance to what we did against Waterford a few weeks ago, then we give ourselves a chance. 

“They’re physical, they get the ball in the box and they’ve quality in the final third. Hence why they’re on the run they’re on. We’re going to have be on our mettle and have a little bit more quality in the final third and hopefully we can get through to a semi-final.”

Neither side managed to breach the other when the sides met two weeks ago and although Purse is drawing the positives from that game, he says it would be naive on his part to draw any conclusions ahead of Friday’s tie in terms of the opposition’s approach.

He is also keen to focus on Friday alone ahead of crucial league meetings with both Drogheda and Galway to come.  

“They (Waterford) play against us and then go to St Pat’s and play a different shape with one or two changes so it’ll be a bit of a guessing game to see how they line out but we’ll prepare the best we can”, he continues. 

“We’ll have contingency plans in place incase they try and surprise us. 

“But the performance against them is quite fresh in our minds and if we put in the performance we did against them a few weeks ago, it gives us the chance to progress. 

“We take and assess each game as it comes. Our priority today is Waterford in the cup and we’ll approach this game in the best manner we can and out out the best possible side we can to go and win the game.

“It’s a big occasion, the quarter-final of a cup and hopefully the gods will be with us and we walk away with a win.”

Purse also acknowledged and thanked the input of striker Jamie McGonigle and defender David Jonathan, both of whom left the club this week. 

The club ended the loan agreement between ourselves and Coleraine, which saw McGonigle return to Irish league football. 

“Jamie was away from his family and I think him moving back was a move that suited both parties”, Purse said. 

“It wasn’t an easy decision for either he or the club to make, especially because it’s left us short up front. I’d have liked to have come to an agreement with him a bit earlier to have time to get someone else in. But it is what it is and we move on. We wish both the lads the best of luck in their next steps.” 

David Goulden

Three first half goals from the home side were more than enough to win this game as Bohemians easily beat an underpar Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park.

In what was likely our last visit to Phibsboro before redevelopment works get underway, it was a night of disappointment for the Bit O’Red, who were second best at all levels. 

Dawson Devoy had the hosts ahead after eight minutes when he finished from the angle following some neat one touch football from Bohs. 

Sam Sargeant pulled off a great save from a Douglas James-Taylor header from immediate range, while Connor Parsons fired over from the angle having easily skipped past two Rovers challenges at the end line. 

The Dubliners had their second on 28 minutes when Harry Vaughan’s ferociously struck effort proved too much for Sargent to hold. No defender was quick enough off their toes, as James-Taylor nipped in to capitalise on more poor defending.

Rovers conceded a third before half-time when Jordan Flores converted a direct set piece. 

It was mostly Bohs in the second half bar a Jack Shorrock effort from a tight angle which drifted wide. 

Darren Purse’s side will look to quickly move on from this one as he prepares his side for Friday’s Club Orange FAI Cup quarter-final against Waterford at the RSC. 

Bohemians: Paul Walters; Darragh Power, Patrick Hickey, Cian Byrne, Senan Mullen; Dawson Devoy (Niall Morahan 82), Jordan Flores (Adam McDonnell 70); Ross Tierney, Harry Vaughan (Markuss Strods 70), Connor Parsons (Zane Myers 70); Douglas James-Taylor (Colm Whelan 60)

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Gareth McElroy, Carl McHugh (Ollie Denham 57), Sean Stewart; Alex Nolan (Ryan O’Kane 57), Luke Young (Kyle McDonagh 78), Seb Quirk, Jack Shorrock (Callum Lynch 78); Archie Meekison; Luke Pearce, Kaiyne Woolery (Trey George 33).

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.

Sligo Rovers supporters will visit Dalymount Park in its current guise for possibly the final time before its redevelopment takes place, as the Bit O’Red go up against Bohemians this Friday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Works are due to begin at the historic Phibsboro venue next year, a stadium at which Rovers are unbeaten in five of our last six games.

This will be manager Darren Purse’s first game in charge at the old ground and in Dublin. He goes there without midfielder James McManus who misses out due to the terms of his loan from the Gypsies. 

Rovers were without Jeannot Esua for last week’s draw with Waterford, while Ollie Denham was taken off at half-time after both players suffered slight knee injuries. Purse is hopeful both will be available for Friday.

Conor Reynolds and Jad Hakiki are unavailable. 

This will be the fourth league meeting of Rovers and Bohs this year. Both have won at the other’s ground, with Alan Reynolds’ charges twice seeing off Rovers at the Showgrounds. While Dalymount was the scene of a memorable win for Rovers back in April, when goals from former players Will Fitzgerald and Sean McHale overturned Zane Myers’ early opener. 

Bohs currently sit third, seven points off their bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers at the summit and have claimed three wins and a draw from their last five league outings. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Purse says he is expecting a different game following more ‘physical’ encounters with Kerry and Waterford at the Showgrounds.  

He says: “One thing you can say about our lads since I’ve come in is that they’ve been really resolute. They put their bodies on the line and play with heart and that’s a huge thing for me. 

“They’ll have to do the same again Friday in Dublin. It’s probably not going to be as physical as the last few games. 

“Bohs will look to play through the lines and they’ll want to play football. But we have to be as resolute as we have been the last few weeks, again. Hopefully we can add that bit quality in the final third to that and that will give us an opportunity, we hope, to win the match. 

“The number of goals Bohs have scored recently shows that they’ve got quality. They look to get the ball forward and it’ll be tough and they’ll be a bit different to what we played recently.”

Purse was pleased with the backing his team received from the stands back home at the Showgrounds last Friday in that tense stalemate with Waterford. 

At what will be a sold out Dalymount, he’s hoping for the usual noise from the ‘Mono’ Stand when and says his boys will need vocal backing throughout the tie. 

“Wherever we go, it’s important to hear our fans. It’s big for the players. 

“Sometimes, you go away from home and you’re under the cosh and that’s when we need them to come together.

“Also for the players and from our point of view, we need to give our supporters something to get excited about. We want to give them a club to be proud of. We’ve got eight massive games to come now so hopefully, we can give them something to sing for on Friday.”  

David Goulden

David Goulden at the Showgrounds

Match day sponsor: Sligo Junction, Collooney.

Match ball sponsor: DPD Logistics, Sligo. 

Darren Purse believes his Sligo Rovers side have what it takes to still avoid the drop following Friday’s stalemate with Waterford at the Showgrounds.

The point, coupled with Drogheda’s loss to St Pat’s, means Rovers cut the gap to second bottom to five, with eight crucial games to go until the end of the season.

In what was an entertaining contest against the in-form team in the Premier Division, Rovers carved out chances in the first half and had to be defensively resolute in the second. 

Rovers’ main threat Jack Shorrock was foiled by a last ditch tackle from Hayden Cann early on after he was played through by skipper Carl McHugh. While Waterford’s experienced centre half Kevin Long charged down a Cian Kavanagh volley after Shorrock’s searching cross just evaded Rovers’ leaping Luke Pearse. 

Shorrock was at it again on 25 minutes when he found space behind Jordan Houston. The Port Vale loanee’s cross this time laid down by Kavanagh and onto the foot of Pearce. But the former Cardiff striker’s full volley was batted away by Blues’ net-minder Stephen McMullan. 

Suffering just two defeats in their last ten following an atrocious start to the season, Graham Coughlan’s men have picked up eleven points from their last five outings with the Munster side gathering wins recently against Bohs, Shels and Derry. 

They had their first sight at goal on the half hour when Conan Noonan fired over after some defensive hesitation from the hosts. While Padraig Amond’s header lacked the power of Benny Couto’s cross on the stroke of half-time as the former Sligo striker headed into the hands of Sam Sargeant. 

Former blue Sargeant kept the game scoreless when he palmed over a Noonan snapshot on the hour. 

Eight minutes later, McMullan pulled off a wonderful stop on his left hand at the far end, when he pushed away a swerving set-piece from Sligo sub Archie Meekison. 

The RSC side then had late chances courtesy of Couto, Lonergan and Noonan in a late dash for the winner.

Speaking after the game, Purse said he’s seen enough from his squad to suggest they have it in them to close further, that gap to Drogheda in ninth. 

“The Derry game’s the only game since I’ve been here that we haven’t been at the races”, he says. 

“But the boys deserve huge credit for this evening. It could have easily gone our way, sometimes we just lack that bit of quality in the final third. I said that to the lads, our final third is what wins us games. Intensity, drive and dropping on second balls, that’s what keeps you in a game. We just need to add that bit of quality in the final third. 

“If we play like that for the rest of the season, we’ve got a right chance. I said before the game that tonight was a ‘must-win’ game. I still back that because if we’d won, we’d be in a much better position. 

“We have tonight’s game, Bohs and Drogheda and if we go and get seven points from those game, we’ll be looking up. 

“It’s a point gained tonight, especially with the Drogheda result and that game in a few weeks which again will be a ‘must-win’.”

Enthused by a crowd of almost two and a half thousand despite the game being televised and its staging on a non-traditional week-night, Purse reminded the Sligo sporting public how crucial their role is in the coming weeks as the squad continues to press on. 

“At times they were really good, up on their feet supporting the team and getting behind us and we need that”, the Londonder stated. 

“Other times, I think there was pressure and they felt it. And when the players feel pressure that’s when the players need the fans the most. To feel that support rather than be peeved with a poor pass or poor decision. But we need that support now for the last few games.” 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Seb Quirk, Ollie Denham (Archie Meekison HT), Gareth McElroy, Sean Stewart; Luke Young, Carl McHugh; Jack Shorrock (Trey George 79), Alex Nolan; Luke Pearce (Kaiyne Woolery 62), Cian Kavanagh. 

Waterford: Stephen McMullan; Kevin Long, Hayden Cann (Blair McKenize 71), John Mahon; Jordan Houston, Beny Couto; Noah Mawane (Dean McMenamy 75), Evan McLaughlin; Conan Noonan, Padraig Amond, Tommy Lonergan. 

Referee: Neil Doyle. 

Attendance: 2,456.

Sligo Rovers boss Darren Purse says his team will give everything they can in their efforts to take three points from Friday night’s crucial game with Waterford, in what is to date, the biggest night of the season for the Bit O’Red.

Match night sponsor for this game, moved to Friday at 8pm for coverage on Virgin Media TV is Sligo Junction, Collooney. Match ball sponsor is DPD Logistics, Sligo.

Purse’s Rovers host one of the country’s in-form sides at the Showgrounds, sitting six points off Graham Coughlan’s men who have taken 18 points from their last ten games.

Rovers currently sit six points adrift with nine games to go as Purse looks to plot a course for survival. 

Form against the Blues this season has been reasonable, with Rovers collecting four points from a possible nine from the Munster outfit in 2026. 

Honest in his assessment of the game to come, Purse is aware that Rovers likely require the full quota of points on Friday. He says his side will ‘know what to do’ in front of what should be a big Showgrounds crowd. 

“My first game in charge against Drogheda was probably a ‘must not lose’ game, for me”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“This one is probably ‘must win’. At some point in the next few weeks, we need to pick up three points and then back-to-back three points. 

“The gap has grown over the last few weeks because of the form of Waterford, which has been exceptional. It’s a game we have to go and try and get maximum points from. If you don’t, then you’re still well behind and it’s another game ticked off. 

“But we know what we need to do. We’ve nine games left and our home games will be pivotal in terms of whether or not we stay in the division.” 

The Londoner, barely a month in the top job, has refuted suggestions that Waterford would be happy to come away from Sligo with a draw which would maintain that six point gap between ourselves and Waterford.

He says a win, which would be Rovers’ first league victory since May, is very much the target. 

“You’ve got to prepare for each game as if you’re looking to win it”, Purse continues. 

“It won’t be any different to any other game so far in that we’ll put as much attention to details in as we can. 

“Hopefully the hard work we will put in is rewarded with three points at the end. But the prep will be the exact same as what we’ve done in the past few games and that’s all geared to try and win.

“They’re coming to win the game, not to try and not get beat. Sometimes when you approach games thinking you’ll be alright with a draw, you tend not to perform. You look at the way Waterford have played recently, Graham’s done an exceptional job to turn things round. I know him and he won’t come looking for a draw.

“They won’t play for a point, they’ll come to win. And we need to be ready for it and match them with the quality we have.”   

In team news, Jad Hakiki and Conor Reynolds are out. Daire Patton continues to recover from illness. 

David Goulden