Aaron Heaney, Kailin Barlow and Sean McAteer fired our men’s Under 19’s to a fourth consecutive win in the league last Sunday evening at Baldonnell, Dublin. Heaney gave Rovers a deserved lead just before half-time with Barlow adding a second two minutes after the restart. Midfielder McAteer made certain of victory in the 86^th minute before the hosts netted a late consolation. The 3-1 victory over the Students maintains our 100% record and sends the boys five points clear of Shamrock Rovers at the top of the Elite League as we approach the midway point of the season. Up next, we welcome Galway United to The Sean Fallon Centre this coming Sunday. Galway’s opening day 8-2 win over Derry City was their only win so far, losing their next three games.

Our Women’s Under 19 side lost their own 100% record on Sunday afternoon at Leckview Park against Donegal and slipped to second in the group, albeit only on goal difference. Ella Vahey scored for the second week running but this time it was merely a consolation as Donegal hit five to take revenge for their 2-1 defeat in Sligo last month. We travel to the Woodlands this coming Sunday to face Greystones United in a repeat of the game two weeks ago (a 3-1 home win for Rovers) hoping for a similar outcome. Victory in Wicklow, in our penultimate game, would almost certainly guarantee a top two finish and a subsequent post-season Semi-Final spot for the girls.

The blueprint for that result was outlined by our Women’s Under 17 on Saturday evening as we went top of the group with a 2-0 win over Greystones. Rebecca Doddy did what she always does – score for Sligo Rovers – and became the highest scoring player amongst all the academy teams this season. Katie McGuire was on the scoresheet also as Rovers pulled three points clear at the halfway stage. Winless Athlone Town visit the Showgrounds in two weeks (Saturday Oct. 9) with the pressure all on the visitors. Athlone’s only goal in the group so far came in their 2-1 home defeat to Rovers in early September whereas our girls have scored almost double the next highest scorers in the group. A place in the Semi-Finals looks a distinct possibility even now.

The second of three 100% records went by the wayside this weekend as our Under 17 side were beaten 3-2 by Shelbourne at the AUL Complex. Both sides are tied on nine points along with UCD at the summit, Rovers in second by way of goal difference. Aaron Heaney matched Eimear McIntyre’s fantastic efforts from last week as he too scored at two different age levels over the weekend, Conor Cannon netting Rovers’ second. Rovers (14 scored, 5 conceded) face Finn Harps (8 scored, 9 conceded) this Friday night at The Sean Fallon Centre in what could be a goal fest with 36 goals scored in their 8 combined matches so far. And with just two games remaining after this, a win is vital before a trip to UCD in two weeks.

Finally, after terrific wins over Athlone and Galway our Under 14s bowed out of the cup on Saturday at the Quarter-Final stage. A strong Finn Harps won 5-0 in Killygordon to progress to the final four and leave us to turn our attention to the final group game of the season on October 9^th at home to Longford Town. A 3^rd place finish is within sight and potentially another Quarter-Final place, this time in the league’s post season.

Richard Mullan

Sligo Rovers can confirm a capacity of 2,100 will be in operation for Saturday’s SSE Airtricity Premier Division match in The Showgrounds against Waterford FC, while pre-booking seats in the main stand will no longer be necessary.

The stadium will be open seating with the exception of away supporters.

Fixture:

• Saturday 2 October, Sligo Rovers v Waterford FC, The Showgrounds, 7:45pm

SEASON PACK HOLDERS

Season Pack holders must bring your season pack booklet and present one ticket at the turnstiles.

If your season pack has expired with no vouchers remaining, you can pay cash at turnstiles. The main stand will be open for all fans on a first come basis.

Please note the stand will close when at capacity under regulations.

There are four home games left this season if you still have tickets remaining in your pack. Any remaining match passes can be used in 2022.

Tickets can be removed from the pack and given to friends or family for this season if desired.

GENERAL SALE FOR HOME FANS

All other home fans can gain entry by paying cash at turnstiles. There will be no online sale prior to the game for home supporters – they can purchase tickets at turnstiles with cash.

With 1,900 tickets for home supporters, we encourage supporters to arrive on time.

AWAY FANS – PAY ON THE GATE

Away fans can purchase tickets on the gate on the night.

Away fans will be situated in the usual away section, in sections T, U and V of the Jinks Avenue Stand.

There are five academy games down for decision across Saturday and Sunday as we approach the business end of the season.

If we enjoyed home comforts last weekend, with all games taking place at The Showgrounds, this weekend is the opposite, with all teams bar The Under 15 men’s team who have the weekend off facing tough away assignements.

Tomorrow, Saturday sees our Under 17 men’s team face Shelbourne at 2pm in Dublin’s AUL Complex. The lads enjoyed a break last weekend after victory over Cabinteely a fortnight ago.

Also tomorrow, Our Under 14 boys team face Finn Harps in the Under 14 cup. Kick off is at 2pm for the ever improving side.

Our Under 17 women’s team travel to Woodlands in Dublin at 4pm to take on Greystones. The girls had an entertaining 3-3 draw against DLR Waves last Saturday.

Both Under 19 sides are in action on Sunday. Declan Boyle’s Men’s side face a tough game in Balldonnell against UCD at 5pm while in Donegal, 30 minutes later, our Women’s team kick off in against Donegal Ladies.

Both Under 19 sides won last weekend and will be looking to continue their good form this weekend.

Thanks to our sponsors for their continued support of the Bit O’ Red Academy.

EJ Menswear

Ivor Parke Painters & Decorators

Alzheimers Society Ireland, Sligo

O’ Connor Cabbins

Overstock Ltd

Verus Metrology Partners

Oh Hello Clothing

Sweet Beat Cafe

Sligo Rovers begin the fourth and final series of matches with a fixture in Oriel Park on Friday night in the SSE Airtricity League.

Rovers sit in third place in the table and clash with Dundalk for a fourth time. The teams met last week when Lewis Banks scored a winner in a close game.

In team news, Lewis Banks and Johnny Kenny return after missing last week’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers with minor injuries.

Garry Buckley serves a one game ban, while Shane Blaney is out with a foot problem. The latter is set for a return early next month.

Greg Bolger will have a late fitness test and is doubtful.

Liam Buckley said: “I was reasonably happy last week. We’d like to have our general play a bit better and create more chances but bearing in mind we were playing Shamrock Rovers who are the leaders, we did okay. It was a hard game but we competed well.

“There is a quarter of the season left and our position is a good one. That said, it’s a starting point from now to the end of the season we have to pick up our fair share of points in order to keep inside the top three or four.

“It certainly won’t be easy and the nature of the league is any team, at any time, can go on a run of games where they win matches. We’ve seen it with nearly all of the teams and from our point of view it’s about getting results and we know we’re capable of doing so.

“Dundalk did well against us in Sligo last week in what was a very tight game, they won the FAI Cup game deservedly on Tuesday and their squad is of the nature than even when missing players, you can still pick an XI with lots of quality and experience. We’ve all experienced it this season to have players out and indeed we are missing two centre halves in Garry and Shane this week. You have to get on with it and I’m sure that victory has lifted them and we have to be ready.

“We’re focusing on ourselves and how we approach the game. It’s great to have Lewis and Johnny back as they are top players and we’ll check on Greg this week.

“As I said, we’ve got these nine games to do all we can to get results. We’re really looking forward to them as well because the players have worked hard to get us to this point. We trained well this week and recovered from the busy period so we look forward to the game.”

Sligo Rovers can confirm a capacity of 2,100 will be in operation for our next two SSE Airtricity Premier Division matches in The Showgrounds, while pre-booking seats in the main stand will no longer be neccessary.

The stadium will be open seating with the exception of away supporters.

Fixtures:

• Saturday 2 October, Sligo Rovers v Waterford FC, The Showgrounds, 7:45pm
• Saturday 9 October, Sligo Rovers v Longford Town, The Showgrounds, 7.45pm

SEASON PACK HOLDERS

Season Pack holders must bring your season pack booklet and present one ticket at the turnstiles.

If your season pack has expired with no vouchers remaining, you can pay cash at turnstiles. The main stand will be open for all fans on a first come basis.

Please note the stand will close when at capacity under regulations.

There are four home games left this season if you still have tickets remaining in your pack. Any remaining match passes can be used in 2022.

Tickets can be removed from the pack and given to friends or family for this season if desired.

GENERAL SALE FOR HOME FANS

All other home fans can gain entry by paying cash at turnstiles. There will be no online sale prior to the game for home supporters – they can purchase tickets at turnstiles with cash.

With 1,900 tickets for home supporters, we encourage supporters to arrive on time.

AWAY FANS – ONLINE ONLY

Away fans of both Waterford and Longford Town can purchase tickets online on the week of the game. We will issue a link to both clubs and they will be available in the days before the match

Away fans will be situated in the usual away section, in sections T, U and V of the Jinks Avenue Stand. Waterford and Longford Town supporters can only enter through online sales with no tickets available at the stadium

We are delighted to support ‘The Green Ribbon Campaign’ which is aimed at getting as many people as possible to talk about mental health, while also ending the stigma surrounding it.

Pictured are members of the first team along with club staff wearing green ribbons, which are an international symbol for mental health awareness.

For more information on the campaign, click here.

Sligo Rovers supporters can purchase tickets for Friday’s SSE Airtricity Premier Division match with Dundalk at Oriel Park at entrance points.

The Bit O’ Red have an allocation of tickets and they will be available at gates.

Kick-off is 7.45pm with the game also live on LOITV.

Both our Under 19 sides maintained their 100% records this past Sunday at the Showgrounds and stretched their lead at the top of their respective league tables.

Josh Mulrennan scored the game’s only goal against Shelbourne, his second in consecutive weeks since returning from injury, to make it three wins from three at the top of the Elite league. Rovers’ Under 19’s have conceded just once in those three games and boast the 2^nd best defensive record (after Bohemian FC) in the country since the initial campaign got underway at the end of June. The lads next face a trip to Dublin on Sunday to take on the current bottom side, UCD. The students drew 1-1 at home to Cobh Ramblers this weekend to pick up their first point after successive defeats to Shamrock Rovers and Derry City.

Ella Vahey, Sarah Kiernan and Eimear McIntyre helped Rovers U19 Women to a 3-1 win at the Sean Fallon Centre also on Sunday evening, as they too made it three wins from three in the Shield Group A. Rovers lead the 4-team group by three points at the halfway stage and only need a further four points to guarantee a place in the Shield Semi-Finals. Next up for our women is a Sunday trip to Donegal, a repeat of the group opener that Rovers won 2-1 in August.

Eimear McIntyre had a weekend to remember as she was also on the scoresheet some 26 hours earlier, this time in a frantic 3-3 draw between Rovers U17 Women and DLR Waves. Rebecca Doddy hit her 8^th in as many weeks and Brigit O’Reilly scored her first of the season to keep Rovers top of the table on goal difference ahead of Greystones. Rovers meet Greystones away in the Woodlands next Saturday where the hosts have yet to taste victory this summer, drawing two and losing the other three.

Gary Farren scored once again for Rovers U15, his 5^th goal in five games, but it wasn’t enough as the lads were beaten 2-1 by Klub Kildare at the Sean Fallon Centre early Sunday afternoon. It was the second 2-1 reverse in succession and leaves the boys with just one point from three games. Rovers are back in action in three weeks time (Oct. 10^th) at home to Longford in a must-win game, while hoping for a favour in the other games, if we are to stand any chance of qualifying for the Quarter Finals.

A similar but less daunting prospect faces the U14 side after a 1-1 draw with Kildare on Saturday afternoon at the same venue. Cillian O’Neill scored Rovers only goal for the second week running to add to his equaliser last week in Athlone. It means Rovers sit 3^rd after three games and must beat Longford at home (Oct. 9^th) on the final day of the season to reach the Quarter Finals. Athlone and Kildare are the only sides who can prevent Rovers from finishing top 3 but they face each other in Westmeath on the final day to leave our fate in our own hands.

Richard Mullan

There are five academy games taking place over Saturday and Sunday, with the unusual scenario of having a full list of home fixtures.

Starting off on Saturday afternoon will be our Under 14 team who host Klub Kildare at 1pm at The Sean Fallon Centre.

Across town at 2pm Aaron O’ Connor’s Under 17 Women’s team host DLR Waves in Cleveragh.

On Sunday afternoon The Showgrounds will be busy as we host three fixtures.

Kildare are again the opposition, this time for our Under 15 team at 1pm on The Sean Fallon Centre All Weather Pitch.

Our Under 19 men, managed by Declan Boyle host Shelbourne at 4pm on The Showgrounds pitch.

30 minutes later our Women’s Under 19 team kick off against Greystones on the all weather.

It promises to be another entertaining weekends action. Admission is free to all our Academy games and all support is welcome.

Sligo Rovers face Shamrock Rovers in a re-arranged SSE Airtricity Premier Division match in The Showgrounds on Saturday.

The Bit o’ Red sit in third place and face the leaders in a match between the sides with the best defences in the league.

Tickets for the game are available at turnstiles for all home fans. Away fans will not be admitted without a ticket and their allocation is sold out.

Rovers recorded back to back home wins in the last week, seeing off St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 and Dundalk 2-1.

Earlier this season the teams played out a 1-1 draw in Sligo, while Romeo Parkes’ goal settled the game in Tallaght Stadium.

In team news, Mark Byrne (ankle) and Regan Donelon (illness) return to the group.

Shane Blaney remains out with a foot problem. Johnny Kenny and Lewis Banks are doubts after picking up knocks in Tuesday’s game and will be checked pre-game.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “We were delighted to get three points on Tuesday. We knew Dundalk would be a tough game because they still have a strong starting XI and coming away with the result was great.

“The attitude we’ve shown and the buy-in from the players coming off the run we’ve been on has been particularly pleasing. They understand what it takes.

“This game is no bigger than any other, it’s another three points on offer in the same way as any other game, and we don’t get jump up and down if we win games or write things off if we don’t.”

Rovers face a third game in eight days but the manager is not concerned by the schedule.

“As long as you have four days between games, it’s enough to be able to recover properly. We spoke to the players about the mental and physical challenges as we move from game-to-game, it isn’t a problem to play Tuesday-Saturday. We’ve had time to get right again.

“Shamrock Rovers have been the benchmark for the last 18 months. They’ve a good style and we’re aware of how difficult it will be. We’ve done well against them this season and again they’ve been close games.”

With a crowd of up to 2,100 possible, with 1,900 home supporters, Buckley is also looking forward to another match in Sligo.  

“It was nice to have a couple of results in The Showgrounds from the point of view that the fans stuck with us in recent weeks when we didn’t get them.

“They know we’re in this battle to achieve our target at the end of the season and we’re going to give everything to try to get it over the line.

“This is another game in that challenge in front of our supporters which we all appreciate after going so long without them.”