Sligo Rovers moved out of the Premier Division’s bottom two for the first time in over six months following victory over Galway United in an energy-sapping Connacht derby at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Substitute Cian Kavanagh headed the game’s winner on 54 minutes to hand Rovers the points and a third win over the Tribesmen this season. 

Victory moves Rovers to seventh ahead of Saturday’s league clash with St Pat’s at the Showgrounds. 

John Russell made one change for this one. Gareth McElroy, one of the visitors’ stand-out performers on the night, came in for John Mahon at the heart of the Sligo rearguard. 

The hosts produced the best chance of the first half in a relatively tight affair as Rovers dealt with John Caulfield’s direct approach. 

McElroy headed Rob Slevin’s goalward header away from danger on 22 minutes, the closest either side came to an opener in the first period.

Rovers began the second half on the front foot, Owen Elding testing Brendan Clarke on 53 when man-of-the-match Jad Hakiki cut out a loose ball from Bobby Burns. Hakiki fed Ryan O’Kane, who in turn set Elding through. But the club’s top-scorer was denied by Clarke who spread himself well to deflect away Elding’s low effort. 

There was joy in the away end from the resulting corner however. 

McElroy headed Will Fitzgerald’s out-swinger towards Kavanagh, who beat Clarke to the ball as he nodded over the former Rovers ‘keeper and to an empty net. 

Galway threw everything at Rovers for the final half hour, but Russell’s charges limited United to mostly shots from distance.

Slevin fired over, while Sergeant and Paddy McClean did enough to deny Patrick Hickey from a Dara McGuinness cross. 

The tireless Hakiki had Clarke at full stretch twelve minutes from the end when the midfielder sent a beautifully struck, bending effort towards the top corner. Clarke’s finger-tip save was just enough to push the ball beyond for a corner following a superb Rovers counter strike. 

McGuinness could only fire straight at Sargeant from three yards out as the Tribesmen spurned their chance to level the game on 82. While the same player headed into Sargeant’s arms in the third of the six minutes added on at the finale. 

Galway United: Brendan Clarke; Jeannot Esua, Killian Brouder (Vincent Borden 84), Garry Buckley, Bobby Burns; Aaron Bolger (Jeremy Sivi 64), Jimmy Keohane, Rob Slevin, Ed McCarthy (Stephen Walsh 64), Patrick Hickey; Dara McGuinness.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje, Patrick McClean, Gareth McElroy, Sean Stewart (Ciaron Harkin 63); James McManus (Matty Wolfe 63), Seb Quirk (Cian Kavanagh 46); Ryan O’Kane (Kyle McDonagh 83), Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Owen Elding.

Referee: Paul Norton.

Ollie Denham is Sligo Rovers’ only injury worry ahead of Monday’s huge Connacht derby with Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

The centre-half was withdrawn from the starting eleven ahead of last Friday’s draw with Drogheda having picked up knock to his hip in the warm-up. 

Rovers boss John Russell is expected otherwise, to have a fully fit squad as the Bit O’Red look to climb ahead of Galway with a win and out of the relegation zone. 

Both sides are deadlocked on 31 points each, with John Caulfield’s men ahead of Rovers based on their superior goal difference. 

Rovers have had the better of the three meetings between the clubs this season, with two wins over the Tribesmen from three attempts. While United beat Sligo at the Showgrounds in the first match between the sides in 2025 back in April, their first league win on Sligo soil in decades.

Rovers go into this game with two wins from their last five in all competitions. Galway have taken just one win from their previous five. 

Looking ahead to this much anticipated meeting of the provincial neighbours, re-arranged due to recent FAI Cup games, Rovers boss John Russell is looking for his team to take the points which would push us out of the bottom two for the first time in over six months. 

“We’re hugely looking forward to this one and we’re looking to bounce straight into it after the Drogheda game”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“I thought we were the better side on Friday. You only have to look at how many times we worked their ‘keeper in comparison to how much Sam (Sargeant) had to do. We’ve also hit the post twice.

“Our shape and our energy was good. We created plenty and it’s a harsh handball decision that gets them back in the game. We just couldn’t crack Drogheda a second time. So we got that reaction we asked for from the boys after the Kerry game.”

Facing his home-town club, Russell is excited by the prospect of the occasion itself.

“It’s a derby game with a lot on the line. You have two sides looking to pick up points for the same reasons so it’s all set up to be a big atmosphere and a big occasion. I’m sure they will have a big crowd backing them and our fans will travel well. We packed out the away end last time out and that really pushed us on. We know it’s a Monday night and not ideal for supporters but we hope we bring big numbers and I know our fans will get right behind us. 

“It’ll be a real test for us. We’ve got to stick our chests out now and be counted as it’s so tight at our end of the table, every point counts and everyone is running out of games. As a club, we have massive belief in these players to go out and get results and perform for us. We need to make the most of the occasion.” 

David Goulden 

David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Sligo Rovers go into Monday’s Connacht derby with Galway United on Monday level on points with the Tribesmen after they were pegged back by Drogheda United at the Showgrounds. 

Ryan O’Kane had fired the Bit O’Red into the lead on the stroke of half-time, but the Boynesiders leveled the game early in the second half courtesy of a Paul Doyle penalty. 

It was John Russell’s Rovers who took this game to their opponents early on. Golden boy Owen Elding struck the Drogheda post after eleven minutes, while O’Kane fizzed a driven effort wide of Luke Dennison’s post on the follow up.

Finding joy down their left side, Rovers went close again on 25 minutes when from defending their own penalty area, the hosts hit Drogheda on the counter. 

Jad Hakiki’s through ball found Elding who was denied by Dennison who did just enough to take the pace of Elding’s shot as he looked to sneak the ball under the Calfornian.

Dennison showed his value again on the half hour when he went down low to scoop Seb Quirk’s pot-shot over his crossbar. 

Doherty reacted to his side’s struggles by bringing on the experienced Ryan Brennan on and this affected the flow of the occasion straight away. 

Brennan, Conor Keeley and Darragh Markey all went close for Drogheda as they chased the lead. 

Sligo wrestled back control of this tie and went ahead in added time. Having pulled another impressive stop from Dennison, O’Kane was not to be disappointed with his next effort as he dragged his strike beyond O’Kane from the edge of the Drogheda box. 

The Louth men, who made a trio of changes at the break, were then gifted a way back into the game early in the second period. Paddy McClean handled the ball inside his own area, allowing former Sligo midfielder Doyle to dispatch the resulting spot-kick.

Quirk’s determination resulted in him blasting over again on 73 minutes, before Hakiki lashed an effort from distance off Dennison’s crossbar 90 seconds later in what was a tense second period. 

Both Drogs’ Thomas Oluwa and Rovers’ Matty Wolfe spurned great chances to claim the spoils late on for their sides. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje (Matty Wolfe 78), John Mahon, Paddy McClean, Sean Stewart (Cian Kavangh 62); James McManus (Conor Reynolds 88), Seb Quirke; Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane; Owen Elding. 

Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; James Bolger (Frank Cooper 66), Andrew Quinn, Conor Keeley; Conor Kane (Kieran Cruise HT), Owen Lambe; Warren Davis (Shane Farell HT), Paul Doyle (Thomas Oluwa 76), Darragh Markey (Fuhad Kareem HT), Luke Heeney; Josh Thomas (Ryan Brennan 34). 

Referee: Marc Lynch.

Attendance: 2,357

John Russell hopes to have the luxury of a full squad to choose from as his Sligo Rovers return to Premier Division action this Friday at the Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Drogheda United will provide the opposition for this rearranged clash, rescheduled to accommodate Rovers’ visit to Galway on Monday. 

Will Fitzgerald returns having missed the defeat to Kerry last week through suspension. While Cian Kavanagh is available again having missed that game due to illness. 

An even contest will be expected, as both Rovers and Drogs have matching records in their last five league outings, having taken seven points from a possible 15. This is a huge game for Rovers, as a positive result for the hosts could move us ahead of Galway in eighth depending on the Tribesmen’s result against St Pat’s on Friday. 

United have the better head to head record between the clubs this term, with two wins over Sligo and a draw. They go into this game having too suffered FAI Cup disappointment having been beaten on penalties by Shamrock Rovers last weekend. 

Reflecting on that galling night for the Bit O’Red in Tralee, Russell tells sligorovers.com that although his players want to quickly move on from that result, they will use the memories of the disappointment to fuel themselves in the coming games. 

“Sometimes in sport it’s hard to make sense of a defeat when you are in a position of such dominance”, Russell says. 

“What unfolded last week in our cup exit against Kerry hurts and will continue to hurt for a long time. We had a huge opportunity to put ourselves into a semi-final, but we didn’t take it.

“It was a tough dressing room after the game and an even tougher journey home. We all knew the importance of the game and what was at stake. I very much understand the frustration of our supporters and the backlash. We as a group must take our medicine after such a defeat. 

“However, it’s important not to lose perspective after a defeat and to remember the transformation of our team since the mid-season break. 

“We have such a talented group of players who are giving everything for the club. I and everyone at this club have such belief in them. We have clawed back a lot of points over the last two or three months and the boys deserve all the support they get along the way.” 

Russell wants both players and supporters to show togetherness once more as Rovers look to continue our march up the table. 

“We are now entering the last seven games and we need our supporters more than ever on Friday”, he rallied.  

“You support your team in good times and bad times. We had a bad night last week. But Friday is another opportunity for us all collectively, to show our resilience and strength, not only as a team but as a club. 

“Drogheda have performed above all expectations this season, but all our games have been close and now it’s up to us to get that win which we know would be huge for us. We’re ready to go and are really looking forward to the game and getting back on track.” 

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers’ hopes of a first Sports Direct FAI Cup Cup success since 2013 were dashed by Kerry FC in a dramatic quarter-final tie at Mounthawk Park, Tralee. 

Rovers dominated this opening half, leading by two following an Owen Elding brace. 

Elding had his hat-trick and his 14th of the season early in the second half. 

However, Kerry struck three times in the second half before finding a winner two minutes from the end of extra-time courtesy of Daniel Okwute. 

Attention turns back to Premier Division duties on Friday September 19th, as we face Drogheda United at the Showgrounds. Kick-off 7.45pm.  

Sligo Rovers will look to progress to a first Sports Direct FAI Cup semi-final since 2020 as the Bit O’Red take on Kerry FC at Mounthawk Park in Tralee, in what will be an historic night for both clubs. 

This last eight tie, which kicks off at 7.45pm, will be the first senior competitive game between the clubs at men’s senior level as John Russell continues his mission to guide Rovers to a first FAI Cup decider in twelve years. 

Rovers find themselves in the quarter-final following defeats away from home of both Dundalk and Bohemians as we continue our cup odyssey on the road. 

Colin Healy’s Kerrymen saw off Athlone Town in the second round following an extra-time win over their First Division rivals, before the men from the Kingdom beat promotion hopefuls Cobh at home in the following round. 

Rovers are unbeaten in their last three and have taken wins from three of their last five in all competitions. While our opponents are also in a solid vein of form and are unbeaten in their last four having also taken three victories from their last five. 

In team news, Rovers are without vice-captain Will Fitzgerald who is suspended having been booked in both the second and third round. Both Cian Kavanagh and Kyle McDonagh will be assessed closer to the game. 

Midfielder Jad Hakiki returns from a successful stint on international duty with the Irish under-21s. 

Approximately 300 Rovers fans are set to take the trip south with the away end selling out in minutes two weekends ago. The home end is also a sell-out. 

The limited capacity of Mounthawk means only a small number of tickets were available to the Red Army, but manager Russell is looking forward to seeing the colour and noise which the Rovers fans will bring.

“I think if there were three times the amount of tickets available, the Rovers end would have still sold out such is the appetite for a cup run amongst our supporters”, he says. 

“They’ve been superb everywhere we’ve been and we expect more of the same on Friday. It’s a new experience and a new ground for us so I’m sure it’s a tie they’re all looking forward to.”

That following will be needed according to Russell who was in Tralee last week to watch Kerry draw with Munster rivals Cobh. 

“We’re going up against one of the most experienced people in Irish football when it comes to Colin Healy’s CV. He’s seen it all really and will know what it takes to cause an upset.

“We’ve studied them and Kerry can play and will look to bring the game to us on Friday so we need to be on our toes from the off. They have pace and know how to open teams up so we’ll have to be ready for them.”

Rovers have already seen off First Division leaders Dundalk in the second round of this year’s tournament. Russell’s charges will no doubt go into Friday’s tie the favourites given we are the Premier Division outfit. But the boss is expecting a tight game and a lot of hard work needed if his side are to progress to the final four.

“We were favourites against Dundalk at Oriel and won but then we were underdogs against an in-form Bohs at Dalymount a few weeks later in the next round and won, so we’ve seen it from both sides”, he continues. 

“It’s inevitable that we’ll be fancied to go through but if we think at any stage that we can take our foot off the gas, then we’re out of the competition, simple as. But the boys know that. We dealt well with the favourites tag in Dundalk and we need to do it again this weekend.”  

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers and Bohemians picked up a point a piece at the Showgrounds, although both sides will feel they could have taken all three points following a thrilling scoreless draw. 

The result likely does more for the Bit O’Red than the Gypsies, with Rovers moving level with eighth placed Galway United in their bid to climb the league ladder.

While for Bohs, the point places them to within six of champions-elect Shamrock Rovers, who have two games more to play than their Dublin rivals. 

Plotting a way out of the league’s bottom two spots for the first time since March, a resurgent Rovers, with three wins in their last five on all fronts, made just one change from their win in Waterford last Friday. The move was enforced given the terms of on-loan midfielder James McManus, who is ineligible to face his parent club. McManus was replaced in the heart of the Rovers XI by Ciaron Harkin, the former Derry man’s third start since signing last month.

Sighting a second win on the bounce against a relegation threatened side following their win over Cork eight nights previous, Bohs boss Alan Reynolds brought duo Rob Cornwall and James Clarke back into the starting eleven in place of the recently departed Liam Smith and the benched Connor Parsons.

Only Derry City have amassed more points (19) than Sligo since the summer break and it was the hosts who fashioned the first opportunity of this encounter. 

Elding set upon a poor backpass from Jordan Flores towards Cornwall, winning possession before cutting inside and rifling an effort which was tipped over by an acrobatic stop from Kacper Chorazka. 

Both sides had chances shortly after, during an open and entertaining first half.

Flores almost capitalised but could only nod a free-header from a Dayle Rooney corner over Sam Sargeant’s crossbar. While Ross Tierney headed a Rooney set piece over six minutes later. 

Rovers did have the ball in the Bohs net on 26 minutes but the slipping Jad Hakiki was adjudged offside as he scrambled Sean Stewart’s cross past Chorazka. While the Bohs net minder had to use both fists to keep another Elding stinger out just before the half hour. 

There were chances at both ends as the interval approached.

The lively Elding pounced on a poor pass from a struggling Cornwall, but the much-scouted teen striker could only blast over from the edge of the area. 

The Dubliners might have led at the break, only for Clarke to stab his effort wide as Rovers looked loose at the back. 

Sargeant kept the scores even eight minutes into the second half as he pulled off a stunning one handed stop to keep out Flores’ drive at goal from a Devoy assist. 

The Rovers ‘keeper was again alert on 58 minutes to tip a Rooney header from a Clarke cross, on to the frame of his goal as the visitors pushed for an opener. 

Both Will Fitzgerald and Clarke went close for their sides as this contest somehow remained deadlocked. 

The Phibsboro outfit switched their approach with the introduction from the bench of Connor Parson and Colm Whelan to their attack. While Rovers moved Elding to the wing in an effort to stretch the Bohs rearguard, with Wilson Waweru brought on to occupy the centre forward role. 

Waweru went close late on, while Bohs had plenty of play around the Rovers penalty area but couldn’t breach Sargeant’s goal-line. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje (Daire Pattom 77), Ollie Denham, Paddy McClean, Sean Stewart; Seb Quirk, Ciaron Harkin (Wilson Waweru 83); Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane (Matty Wolfe 64); Owen Elding.

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Niall Morahan, Rob Cornwall, Cian Byrne, Jordan Flores; Dawson Devoy, Adam McDonnell (Keith Buckley 75); Ross Tierney (Connor Parsons 75), James Clarke, Dayle Rooney (Archie Meekison 82); Douglas James-Taylor (Colm Whelan 75). 

Referee: Paul Norton. 

Attendance: 2,754. 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ men’s team are in action at the Showgrounds for the first time in almost a month, this Saturday evening as we take on Bohemians, kick-off 7.45pm. 

This Premier Division clash will be the Bit O’Red’s fifth and final meeting with the Dubliners this season, just weeks after our FAI Cup win over Bohs at Dalymount Park on August 15th. 

Rovers’ last home game was a two goal defeat to Shelbourne on August 2nd, winning two of our three games on the road since.

Rovers are yet to beat Bohs in the league this season. Alan Reynolds’ side have twice taken the points, while the teams drew 1-1 in Phibsboro back in June. 

In team news, Russell waits on confirmation over both Conor Reynolds’ and Ronan Manning’s fitness. 

While James McManus misses out due to the terms of his loan deal with Saturday’s opponents. 

Oskar Van Hattum has this week departed the club to continue his career in Canada. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of Saturday, Russell is looking for his side to bounce into the weekend’s game after recent wins over Waterford and Saturday’s opponents.

“We showed a lot of character and spirit to come back into games this season and no more than in Waterford. I felt we were the better team throughout and really deserved our win down there.

“It was a win over a team we’re chasing and it gave us a lot of confidence and a big boost going into Saturday, which is going to be a really tough game for us. But we’re looking for the players to again raise their levels. The games between ourselves and Bohs this year really have had little in them so I think you can expect more of the same come Saturday. 

“We’re hopeful on Ronan and Conor who are two important players for us. We knew James would be out for this one and we’re happy we have a plan to deal with his absence.

“We beat Bohs a few weeks ago and they’ll be coming here looking to get one over us again, we know they will. They’re still chasing Shamrock Rovers and are so dangerous from all positions.

“Saying that, we are at home and it is up to us to set the pace and that’s what we want to do. We are aware of what a win would do for us in terms of the league table so we’ll look to start well, do the basic things in a correct manner and see where that takes us. 

“It’s been a while since we’ve played at the Showgrounds so we’re hoping our supporters missed it as much as we have.

“We’re hoping for big numbers and noise from all ends as Bohs will travel in big numbers and get behind their team. Our fans have been brilliant to us all season and have travelled in big numbers to follow us around the country recently. 

“I think they’re enjoying watching this team and backing them as they’re a really likeable bunch of lads who are giving everything for Rovers. They’re enjoying their football and our supporters are enjoying that too.

“There’s not just a togetherness within the squad, but also between our players and supporters and it’s wonderful to see.”

Sligo Rovers’ 2025 Annual Draw takes place at half-time on Saturday. Tickets remain on sale on sligorovers.com. 

David Goulden

John Russell has called on Sligo Rovers supporters to continue to back his team as the Bit O’Red face into a crucial few weeks with just eight league games remaining. 

Rovers face Bohemians on Saturday next, August 30th at the Showgrounds and Russell has called on the Sligo sporting public to arrive on Church Hill in droves to back their team once again. 

Three wins in the last five outings in all competitions sees Rovers just one point off Galway United in eighth following Friday night’s results. While Rovers fans are also looking forward to a first ever visit to Kerry to take the home side in a much-anticipated FAI Cup quarter-final next month. 

“Our supporters have been amazing this year, both home and away”, Russell told LOITV after Friday’s spirited defeat of Waterford at the RSC. 

“At home, the crowds are getting bigger and I think they really believe in this group and want to back them as much as they can. As a supporter and for a community club like Sligo Rovers, you want your players giving everything and that’s what they’re doing. We need them now for the last eight games. 

“There’s so much ball to be played yet. We’re still ninth and we cannot forget that. We’ve put a lot of points on the board recently but there’s such a long way to go yet, so we need to stay focused.”

Conan Noonan had given John Coleman and Danny Ventre’s lads the lead in Waterford. But second half goals from the energetic Jad Hakiki and the ever-impressive Owen Elding moved Rovers ten points clear of basement side Cork City heading into a tough game with Bohs this weekend.

“They have players everywhere that can hurt you and I’m sure there will be a backlash after us beating them in the cup”, Russell said of next weekend’s visitors. 

“We have to re-group now but we’re already looking forward to the game.” 

On the win at the RSC, Russell praised the work-rate of his team having fallen behind to that Noonan strike. 

“It’s a massive three points”, he continued. 

“I thought we caused Waterford a lot of problems early on but couldn’t get that goal when we were on top. 

“But when you’re away from home against a team like Waterford, with threat from the likes of Padraig Amond, Conan Noonan and Tommy Lonergan, you expect them to have spells and they did. 

“But the pleasing thing for me and we showed this in Cork when we were behind, was that we stayed calm and we played the way we are built to play. We controlled the game in the second half and we grew as the game went on.

“Jad gets us level and we were in the ascendancy after that. 

“Our front four, they weren’t just about the goals. They worked so hard all night on and off the ball. Look at Owen, he’s scored the goal and then he’s back defending in our box with two minutes to go and that’s because he wants to win!”

David Goulden 

Owen Elding hit the winner three minutes from time as Sligo Rovers came from one goal down to beat Waterford at the RSC. 

Conan Noonan had handed the hosts the lead eight minutes before the break, but an equaliser from Jad Hakiki followed by Elding’s late winner gave Rovers a deserved win as the Bit O’Red cut the gap to Galway in eighth to just one point. 

Boss John Russell made two changes from the FAI Cup win over Bohs a week before. Edwin Agbaje made his first start for Sligo, while James McManus returned having missed that cup win in Dublin. 

Rovers didn’t enjoy the best of first halves although Elding did strike the top of the crossbar with a well-met header from a Will Fitzgerald cross on 4 minutes.

Muhammadu Faal had an early chance before Noonan opened the scoring with a well taken finish following a ball over the top from Sam Glenfield on 37 minutes. 

The visitors did have two chances in the same move before the break.

Paddy McClean saw an effort scrambled away by Waterford goalkeeper Stephen McMullan, while Hakiki had a follow up swept off the goal-line.

Rovers were a totally different proposition in the second period, with Sam Sargeant in goal almost an on-looker for the majority. 

Patient build up play the key as Hakiki, Elding and Fitzgerald were all involved for Rovers’ leveller on 73.

Fitzgerald’s attempt from the edge of the box took a deflection off a Blues defender, Hakiki reacting the quickest to strike past McMullan for his fifth of the season, courtesy of a deflection off former Sligo striker Padraig Amond. 

Rovers continued to press and were rewarded three minutes from time when sub Ciaron Harkin weighed up his options before delivering a sumptuous through ball for Elding. The Riverstown man timed his run perfectly before keeping his cool and slotting his shot beyond McMullan. 

There was to be one last act as McClean got in front of a Kacper Radkowski goalward header in the 95th minute. 

Waterford: McMullan; Horton, Boyle, Mansfield, Burke; Rossiter, Olayinka (McMenamy 77), Glenfield (McDonald 72); Faal (Lonergan 72), Amond (Radkowski 85), Noonan

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Agbaje (Harkin 78), Quirk, Denham, McClean, Stewart; Fitzgerald, Hakiki (Manning 90), McManus, O’Kane (Waweru 68); Elding

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd

David Goulden