Sligo Rovers’ trojan effort came to nothing at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday night as the Bit O’Red suffered the bitter taste of conceding an injury time winner to Derry City.

Jad Hakiki had given Rovers a more than deserved lead on the half hour in this, the opening night of 2026.

And while Sam Sargeant pulled of a few stunning stops to keep one of the title favourites at bay, the pressure told eight minutes from time when Alex Bannon levelled the game before Josh Thomas fired home the winner for Tiernan Lynch’s side in injury time.

Sligo boss John Russell gave debuts to both Alex Nolan and Jeannot Esua, both of whom impressed on their first competitive showings. While Ryan O’Kane featured for the first time following his permanent switch from Shelbourne. Sligo man and Abbvie Academy graduate Daire Patton was handed just his second senior start in the heart of midfield beside Seb Quirk.

New signings Archie Meekison and Shane Blaney made the bench, while Mai Traore was unavailable for selection. 

A star-studded Derry too were showcasing several debuts, with main attractions Patrick and James McClean making their first starts since their respective returns to Foyleside.

The visitors showed no signs of early jitters at a sold-out Brandywell, as Rovers went at Derry in the first period and indeed it would be argued, were the better side. 

Quirk lashed an early effort wide of Brian Maher’s goal as wingers O’Kane and Nolan tested Derry’s resolve out wide. While Hakiki’s movement and determination offered a constant threat coming through the middle. 

The Dubliner played the key role on 30 as Rovers struck for the opening goal. 

Hakiki was given the freedom of the Derry penalty area by the slumbering Patrick McClean. The once Dundalk attacker allowed to calmly turn Esua’s wonderful first-time cross past the bewildered Maher. 

Nolan kept Maher busy with an effort from distance 90 seconds later as Rovers remained in charge. 

While Sargeant had to pull off his first meaningful stop of the night on 33 minutes when he smothered Thomas in time to force the Welshman to loop his close-range effort onto the roof of the Rovers net.

The hosts enjoyed the better of things in terms of possession and opportunities in the second period. Roared on by 400 of our own at the car park end of the ground, the visitors did enough to keep Derry scoreless for the majority of the second half.

Debutant James Clarke nodded James McClean’s corner over Sargeant’s goal on 55. While the Londoner was called to arms two minutes later as he got a leg to Thomas’ low drive. 

Again our net minder was questioned and again he came up with an answer when Sargeant skillfully and acrobatically tipped Carl Winchester’s long-range shot onto the frame of his own goal. 

Derry continued to probe as Rovers, now playing without a recognised striker due to the departure of starting front man Cian Kavanagh, then lost O’Kane to a knock.  

Despite the endless toil from Sligo, the pressure finally told eight minutes from time. 

Bannon took a touch to take play away from the attending Quirk before unleashing an unstoppable rocket into the top corner. While momentum pushed the title chasers across the line as Thomas slotted the ball home from the angle in the first of the seven added minutes. 

A disappointing end to an encouraging first night for a young Rovers. Next up is our first home league game this Saturday, February 14th as Bohs visit the Showgrounds. 

Derry City: Brian Maher; Alex Bannon, Patrick McClean, Rob Slevin, Brandon Fleming; Darragh Markey (Adam O’Reilly, 59’), Carl Winchester, James McClean, Michael Duffy (C); James Clarke, Josh Thomas.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Will Fitzgerald (C); Seb Quirk, Daire Patton (Ciaron Harkin, 80’); Alex Nolan, Jad Hakiki (Kyle McDonagh, 80’), Ryan O’Kane (Sean Stewart, 66’); Cian Kavanagh (Archie Meekison, 59’).

Referee: Neil Doyle

David Goulden at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Sligo Rovers’ pre-season calendar was completed on Saturday afternoon as the Bit O’Red beat Finn Harps at Ray McSharry Park by one goal to nil.

Callum Lynch scored the game’s only goal early in the second half as Rovers completed our on-the-pitch preperation for Premier Division kick-off in one week’s time in Derry.

Initially set to take place at the Showgrounds, this game was moved to the home of the Sligo/Leitrim District League to protect the Showgrounds’ surface ahead of our first league home league game against Bohs on February 14th.

Rovers used the full match day squad which included the evergreen and ever-ready Richard Brush in the nets in his 42nd year. While Shane Blaney appeared in a Rovers kit for the first time since he returned on loan from Livingston. 

Lynch secured the win on 51 minutes when he got to the back post to finish off a Guilherme Priosti cross. 

Blaney almost marked his return in style when he headed another accurate Priosti cross over Lorenzo Barbarosa’s goal. 

With pre-season now complete, Rovers can look forward to Friday’s first league game of the season away to Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. A huge crowd is anticipated, with the away end already sold-out. 

Rovers XI: Brush, Reynolds, McElroy, Denham, Fitzgerald, Nolan, Harkin, Quirk, Hakiki, O’Kane, Traore. 

Subs used: Stewart, Blaney, Meekison, Kavanagh, McHugh, Lynch, Kelly, O’Malley, Cannon, Priosti, Patton.  

Sligo Rovers’ senior men’s team pre-season continued over the weekend with wins over UCD and Galway United at Abbvie United Park in Westport.

First up was a defeat of the Students on Friday.

Michael Raggett had put the Dubliners ahead just three minutes in. But Rovers replied before the break through PFAI Young Player of the Year Owen Elding, before youngster Callum Lynch hit Rovers’ second.

The Bit O’Red found a third goal with twenty to go when Elding had his brace.

Less than 24 hours later, Rovers put six past what was an under-strength Galway outfit at the same venue in what was our penultimate friendly in preparation for the season’s kick-off in two weeks. This game was also the third of three pre-season games hosted by Westport United.

Goals from Ryan O’Kane, Ollie Denham, Seb Quirk, Will Fitzgerald and a Jad Hakiki double saw a more experienced Rovers run out easy winners in the Adam Mulchrone Cup, a charity match in aid of ACT for Meningitis and played in memory of the former Westport player. 

Rovers’ final pre-season friendly of the season takes place this Saturday, January 31st as we return home for the first time in 2026 to face Finn Harps. Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.30pm. 

Sligo Rovers wish to thank Westport United, their management committee and club volunteers for the use of their superb facilities at Abbvie United Park in recent weeks and wishes them the best of luck in the upcoming Mayo League season at all levels. 

Rovers XI V UCD: Hughes, Reynolds, Jonathan, Stewart, McDonagh, Priosti, McHugh, Harkin, Kelly, Meekison, Elding.

Rovers XI V Galway: Sargeant, Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald, Nolan, Patton, Quirk, O’Kane; Hakiki, Traore.

Seb Quirk scored the Bit O’Red’s goal as Sligo Rovers’ senior men’s team 2026 pre-season continued at Abbvie United Park in Westport on Saturday.

Three weeks from the commencement of the Premier Division season in Derry, Rovers used this third friendly as an opportunity to get more minutes in legs as John Russell’s side were narrowly beaten by Treaty United.

Sligo started with a strong eleven, with new signings Jeannot Esua and Alex Nolan featuring at kick-off. While a trialist led the line for Sligo.

United’s Cian Curtis gave the Limerick side the lead at the break, but Rovers deservedly leveled this workout courtesy of a Seb Quirk goal. 

A Treaty trialist had the First Division side ahead, while Rovers went close through Jad Hakiki, Cian Kavanagh and low-struck set piece from Sean Stewart which struck Jack Brady’s post.

Rovers’ next outing is also in county Mayo, at the same venue, as we take on UCD on Friday at 6.30pm. 

Rovers: Sargeant, Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald, Quirk, Harkin, Hakiki, O’Kane, Nolan, Trialist

Subs used: Hughes, McDonagh, Patton, Meekison, Stewart, McHugh, Kavanagh, Lynch, Kelly, O’Malley.  

Preparations for the 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign continued at Finn Park on Tuesday evening, as Sligo Rovers men’s senior team were narrowly beaten by Finn Harps.

Following last week’s win over Derry in Dungannon, John Russell gave new goalkeeper Liam Hughes his first taste of football at Rovers. While Ollie Denham featured for the Bit O’Red for the first time since scoring the opener in the win over Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on the final day of last season. 

Midfielder Seb Quirk also lined out for the first time since that win in Dublin, as did Ciaron Harkin. 

Played in difficult conditions on a challenging surface, Harps took the lead through a trialist four minutes from the break. 

Cian Kavanagh saw his spot kick saved by Harps goalkeeper Barbosa on 54.

Rovers’ next pre-season friendly is the first of our three games at Westport’s Abbvie United Park where we face Treaty United, this Saturday, January 17th. Kick-off at the Mayo venue is 2pm. 

First half XI: Hughes, Esua, McElroy, Denham, Stewart, McHugh, Quirk, Meekison, Nolan, Fitzgerald, Elding. 

Second half XI: Sargeant, Reynolds, Jonathan, McElroy, McDonagh, Harkin, Patton, Priosti, O’Kane, Lynch, Kavanagh. 

Will Fitzgerald scored the game’s only goal as Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior side got their pre-season campaign underway with a win over Derry City in County Tyrone on Friday.

Initially due to take place at City’s Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, this friendly was moved to Stangmore Park, home of Dungannon Swifts due to effects of the recent cold spell on Derry’s pitch. 

Four new players, Jeannot Esua, Carl McHugh, Archie Meekison and Alex Nolan took part in the game. While first-team regulars Sam Sargeant, Ryan O’Kane, Jad Hakiki, Owen Elding and Fitzgerald all featured for John Russell’s side. 

A trialist with League of Ireland experience played the first 45. 

Rovers created plenty of chances throughout this workout and the game’s only goal arrived eleven minutes into the second period, when skipper Fitzgerald, one of the league’s standouts in 2025, chipped in with his first goal of the year. 

The second half saw the introduction of the likes of Sean Stewart, Patrick McClean and Cian Kavanagh as Russell looked to give minutes to as many players as possible. 

Up against one of the favourites for this year’s Premier Division crown, Rovers kept their ‘hosts’ scoreless again in the second half. Preparations for 2026 getting underway in ideal fashion.

Rovers’ next run-out is this Tuesday when we visit Finn Park to take on Harps. Kick-off 7.30pm.  

First half XI: Sam Sargeant, Jeannot Esua, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Kyle McDonagh, Daire Patton, Carl McHugh, Archie Meekison, Alex Nolan, Ryan O’Kane, Trailist.

Second half XI: Sam Sargeant, Sean Stewart, David Jonathan, Patrick McClean, Conor Reynolds, Daire Patton, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald, Owen Elding, Guilherme Priosti, Cian Kavanagh.

Owen Elding capped off what has been a wonderful 2025 for the Sligo Rovers striker by scooping the PFAI Men’s Young Player of the Year award for this year, the first Rovers player to win such an award in 38 years. 

The 19-year-old enjoyed what was a breakout year for the Riverstown man who netted an incredible 16 goals in 38 games for the Bit O’Red this term, seeing out the season as the club’s top-scorer. 

He was also included in this year’s Team of the Year. While Rovers boss John Russell was nominated for Manager of the Year.

Elding, who joined the club as a child, made his Rovers debut at the Showgrounds in a Premier Division game against Shelbourne in May 2023. To date, he has played 67 times for the club, with his first senior goal arriving on the opening day of the 2025 season against Waterford. 

His goals were vital in Rovers securing a 21st consecutive season in the Premier Division, as Russell’s men finished in seventh spot.

Elding is the first Rovers player to win the young player of the year award since Martin Bayly back in 1987. He is the first Sligo Rovers man to win a PFAI award since Mark Quigley in Rovers’ title winning season of 2012. 

Sligo Rovers picked up a first win against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in nine attempts as a wonderful performance from the Bit O’Red saw the visitors pick up the points required to avoid the relegation play-off spot. 

Ollie Denham’s first goal for the club could not have arrived at a more important time as his header from a deflected Ryan O’Kane shot flew past stand-in Hoops goalkeeper Lee Steacy. 

Owen Elding’s 53rd minute penalty was followed by a consolation goal from Shams’ full back Adam Matthews, but Rovers held on to secure their most vital three points of the season. 

The result means Rovers finish the season in a hugely respectable seventh spot, having picked up 29 points from 18 games played after the mid-season break. 

Facing the newly-crowned champions, Rovers were forced into a late change at left full, with prospect Kyle McDonagh replacing Sean Stewart in the starting eleven after the Belfast man sustained a knock in the warm up. 

Indeed, Rovers were disrupted by injury again on the quarter and half hour when midfield pair James McManus and Seb Quirk were withdrawn through knocks. 

Despite this, Sligo went at their hosts, as promised by manager John Russell in his pre-match comments. 

Goal-scorer Denham tested Steacy early on with a speculative effort from 30 yards after Shams failed to clear a short corner. Will Fitzgerald, one of Rovers’ most consistent players this term and leading by example again on Saturday, delivered a sumptuous ball on to the head of O’Kane on 13 minutes. But the on loan winger could only nod straight into the arms of the grateful Steacy as Rovers continued to carve open the champions. 

The deserved lead arrived on 38 minutes when O’Kane’s attempt at goal looped into the air courtesy of a touch off a defender. Denham was quickest off the mark to rise and head the wayward ball beyond Stacey for his first goal for the club.

Jad Hakiki enjoyed another stellar showing in red and along with Fitzgerald was involved in Rovers’ second when they combined to send O’Kane into the Shamrock penalty area. O’Kane’s run abruptly brought to an end when Lee Grace stepped across the Dubliner’s path, resulting in referee Rob Hennessy awarding the spot kick which Elding dispatched. 

Again buoyed and backed by a huge travelling support, Rovers were pinned back for a short time after Stephen Bradley emptied his bench, introducing experience in the shape of Dylan Watts, Matt Healy and Roberto Lopes around the same time as the Dubliners halved Rovers’ lead. 

Full back Matthews blasting an impressive drive from distance off Sam Sargeant’s post and beyond the Rovers net-minder on 62. 

Sargeant had to be on his game for the final half hour and pulled off a wonderful acrobatic stop on 68 minutes when Matt Healy’s cushioned effort looked like it might sail over the Englishman. 

Well marshalled by a well organised Rovers back line, Shams could only come up with half-chances as a disciplined Rovers held on for a season defining result. 

The final result of the season sees Rovers finish on 41 points in seventh, while Waterford head into the promotion/relegation play-off. Cork City are relegated.

Shamrock Rovers: Lee Steacy, Adam Matthews (Roberto Lopes, 64), Lee Grace, Egor Vssenin; Sean Kavanagh (Dylan Watts, 64), Darragh Nugent, Trevor Clarke, Cian Barrett, Aaron McEneff (Matt Healy, 64); Graham Burke (Danny Grant, 77), John McGovern (Michael Noonan, 86).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje (Conor Reynolds, 71), Ollie Denham, Patrick McClean, Kyle McDonagh; Seb Quirk (Daire Patton, 31), James McManus (Ciaron Harkin, 16); Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane (Cian Kavanagh, 71); Owen Elding.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers travel to Tallaght Stadium this Saturday to face Shamrock Rovers for what is our final league game of the season. Kick off is 4.30pm as Rovers look to pick up a result which would steer us clear of the relegation play-off. 

Rovers currently sit in eighth level on 38 points with both Galway United and Waterford with a draw likely to be enough to avoid ninth spot. While a win would guarantee Rovers a 21st consecutive season in the Premier Division. 

Rovers haven’t beaten Stephen Bradley’s side in Dublin in eight attempts, a run which stretches back to 2021. 

However, the Bit O’Red have enjoyed victories over the Hoops at home in that time, including a win over the newly crowned champions back in March, while the teams played out a draw in Sligo in July.  

In team news, as of Friday evening, Rovers are likely to be without striker Cian Kavanagh through injury, while midfielder Matty Wolfe faces a late fitness test. 

Previewing the game, Rovers boss John Russell acknowledges that although so much is at stake on this final weekend, the players cannot wait to get going on Whitestown Way on Saturday afternoon.  

“We know a win this weekend confirms our safety so we know what we need to do and the players have worked hard all week on what we’ve instructed”, Russell affirmed. 

“The players and staff have worked extremely hard all year. Since the mid-season break, we’ve been on a great run and we want to finish with a top performance against the league champions. 

“We know it’s a tough test but we all have huge belief in our group of players and I know our fans do too given the numbers that follow us away from the Showgrounds each fortnight. When you look at our squad, we’ve got some of the most exciting young talents in the league who are getting better and better with each game. 

“I know the players are relishing the challenge this weekend. It’s a big game for us and they all want to be involved in these big games.  

Acknowledging the vociferous following Rovers have enjoyed all over the country in 2025, Russell again calls on Rovers fans to get behind the team for one final push in Dublin.  

“We’re expecting a big travelling support on the day. Our supporters have been amazing all season and we will need them again on Saturday”, he says. 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers were left disappointed at the Showgrounds despite coming from behind against Cork City at a wet and windy Showgrounds.

Alex Nolan had given Cork the lead just shy of the hour, but Rovers rallied and restored parity courtesy of Owen Elding’s fifteenth goal of the season.

The Bit O’Red pressed for the winner but were unable to unlock the City defence a second time.

The result means Rovers may need a result at Tallaght Stadium next Saturday to avoid the relegation play-off as ourselves, Waterford and Galway all sit level on points. Galway have a game in hand yet to play, against Shams. While both the Blues and the Tribesmen play each other on the final day. 

There was a sense of expectation amongst the three thousand strong in attendance for this one and Rovers began well.

City stopper Conor Brann was forced into an early save when Rovers’ top-scorer Elding ran on to a smart through ball from James McManus, Elding’s shot lacking the power to worry Brann.

O’Kane and Elding both fashioned further chances, Brann doing well to stop the latter’s bullet effort from the angle on eleven minutes. 

When they settled, the Leesiders did find joy down their right side courtesy of Joshua Fitzpatrick. Paddy McLean had to get in the way of Bolger and Alex Nolan shots after Fitzpatrick caused issues on his flank. While Hakiki’s header from an O’Kane cross was pushed into the air and caught at the first attempt by Brann. 

Elding went close from close range on 20 after trojan work from Will Fitzgerald allowed O’Kane swing a cross towards the young striker. Elding’s reaction said it all as his miss-hit shot from seven yards dribbled past the post. 

Elding’s header from another O’Kane cross then flew narrowly wide before the break as Rovers continued to apply pressure. 

Now craving that opener, Rovers did create the first chance of the second period. Ollie Denham’s header from a Fitzgerald assist dropped in front of the City post before bouncing out of bounds.

Cork however threw a major spanner in the Sligo works on 58 minutes when Nolan lashed his strike beyond the reach of Sam Sargeant after patient build-up play by sub Evan McLaughlin. 

The lead lasted just five minutes. 

Elding picking out the bottom corner from 12 yards for his fifteenth goal of the year after Irish underage international Hakiki was fouled inside the Cork area. 

The Showgrounds thought they had a glorious late winner when substitute Ciaron Harkin found the net, but their bubble was burst by referee Aaron O’Dowd after Cian Kavangh had fouled a Cork defender.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje, Ollie Denham, Paddy McClean, Sean Stewart (Ciaron Harkin 70); James McManus (Cian Kavanagh 60), Seb Quirk; Ryan O’Kane, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Owen Elding. 

Cork City: Conor Brann; Fiacre Kelleher, Matthew Kiernan, Freddie Anderson; Greg Bolger (Kaedyn Kamara 61), Sean Murray (Darragh Crowley 37); Joshua Fitzpatrick, Kitt Nelson, Conor Drinan (Charlie Lutz 73); Alex Nolan (Brody Lee 73); Sean Maguire (Evan McLaughlin HT). 

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd

Attendance: 3,060.

David Goulden