Sligo Rovers host Derry City at the Showgrounds in the SSE Airtricity League on Saturday night, kick-off 7.45pm

The SSE Airtricity Premier Division encounter between the sides in third and fifth place is a third meeting of a season.

Derry claimed the points in Ruaidhri Higgins’ first match in charge Derry earlier in the season, while there was 1-1 draw at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Rovers have endured their worst run of the season in recent weeks but continue to sit in third place and will remain there regardless of the weekend’s results.

With 11 wins from 22 matches so far, Rovers remain in their best league position since the middle of the last decade.

However, the chasing pack are closing in the race for Europe with 14 matches to play in the league campaign.

In team news, Greg Bolger and Robbie McCourt are out. Bolger has a knee injury and this game will come too soon.

McCourt is set to come into contention for Rovers’ next game against Drogheda United on 3 September after over two months out with a wrist injury.

Shane Blaney is doubtful and will be checked pre-game.

New signing Andre Wright will not be available this weekend. He will also come into consideration for the game in Drogheda.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “Looking back on the Bohemians game, there’s not a lot in it again. For the best part of 65 minutes we were competing well and had chances. We didn’t take them and Bohemians got the goal.

“Overall we didn’t too badly but we didn’t score and it has cost us. It is difficult as we have shown we can find form and win any match in this league and back it up again. We know we can create chances, score goals and when you’re on a run like we are it affects confidence. You have to keep working as hard as you can.

“We know it will turn for us by giving it our all and each game we face brings its own importance. We’re in a strong position to finish the season well. There are six or seven sides with an eye on Europe for next season. We showed last season that you can charge up the table and get in there.

“Derry have had a few good results so we know how hard it is each week in the league. That said, it has to be a case of bring it on now and we face it head on.

“We have had high points and low points in the season and there is no doubt this is a difficult one. We have to face the next 14 games with a mindset that there is a lot to achieve in the season because there certainly is that.”

Once again 800 fans will be in The Showgrounds for the game.

Buckley said: “Throughout the pandemic our supporters have been fantastic and it was greatly appreciated by everyone. We wanted them to come back to a situation where they really had something to shout about.

“Unfortunately that hasn’t happened and it’s coincided with the run we’ve been on. We really want to give them something and for them to stick with us. They’ve done it before and we are all in this together. We’d love to be able to give them a good night on Saturday, a win can turn things for us and the harder you work the more chance that will happen. We’ll be doing our utmost to get it on Saturday night.”

Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Luke McNicholas has joined Cliftonville on loan until January 2022.

Rovers boss Liam Buckley: “We’ve seen Luke progress and this move will help him further. Our goalkeeping options are strong and Luke will continue to flourish in the Irish League.”

McNicholas played 90 minutes in a friendly last night for the Northern Irish Premiership side.

Tickets details for Saturday’s SSE Airtricity League match with Derry City are now available.

Season Pack holders will have received their unique barcode some days ago in their emails.

Anyone who has not received it please check junk/spam or contact colinfeehily@sligorovers.com

Season Pack holders have until 12pm on Thursday to get their ticket using their barcode

There will be a limited number of general sale tickets available from Showgrounds between 12-4 Thursday with a maximum purchase of 2 per person. No phone or online sales are available. Tickets are €15 with no concessions.

No away fans permitted, any away fans who attempt to purchase tickets or gain entry will be refused.

We also wish to remind supporters that we operate a distancing system and they must adhere to all guidelines.

Kick-off on Saturday is 7.45pm.

Sligo Rovers have today signed striker Andre Wright on a contract for the remainder of the 2021 season, subject to international clearance.

The 24-year-old scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for his former Irish club Bohemians and was named in the 2020 PFAI Team of the Season.

He spent the latter part of the 2020/2021 season in the Scottish Championship with Ayr United and now moves to Sligo as the Bit O’ Red aim to maintain their quest for another European-place finish this campaign.

Wright will link up with Rovers soon for a possible debut in the match against Drogheda United on 3 September.

The former West Brom underage player had numerous options in Ireland and Rovers have secured his signature today.

Wright said: “I’m very happy. It’s been frustrating with a disrupted few months so I’m really excited now.

“I had a relatively successful time at Bohemians and I have that bit of experience which I know will stand to me.

“I know my job is scoring goals and to perform well for the team. The manager told me what he wants, what he thinks I can bring and what is expected of me. The pressure to score goals and perform well for the team is part of the job as a footballer and I’m just excited to get started.

“I know about the club from playing in Sligo. There is a possibility to finish high up in the league and we know what comes with that. That excites me and I’m coming to Sligo to give my best for the club and myself.”

Rovers boss Liam Buckley said the signing will be helpful to Rovers in the final third of the season.

“Andre is a great addition. He’s been a target for quite some time and we’re delighted to complete the deal today.

“He had a great spell with Bohemians for a couple of years and we saw first hand how well he did.

“He’s a target man and an out and out striker. We’ll aim to get him into the type of form he showed at Bohemians and if we can do that, he’ll do very well for us as well.

“Additional competition is always good for the squad and it will give a lift to everyone to have another quality player with us. We have a lot to play for in the coming months and despite the run we’ve had, we’re still in a strong position.

“We’re still in the market. As I said, there is a lot to play for and we’re doing all we can to steady the ship and kick on for the rest of the year.”

Five of our Academy sides were in action as the regular season began to wind down, this weekend being the penultimate game for all of our lads teams aside from the U17s.

The U19s faced St. Patrick’s Athletic at the Sean Fallon Centre on Sunday with just two points separating the sides at the top of the league. Pats nicked an early lead in a really open and entertaining first half that saw both teams seemingly taking turns to attack. Kailin Barlow thought he had made it 1-1 on the stroke of half time but his curling free kick hit the underside of the crossbar, then, seconds later, he was given a second yellow card as he tried to win back possession in the ensuing scramble in the box. The second half was therefore far cagier as Pats were happy to maintain possession and Rovers best chances came from set pieces. As the game wore on the home side committed men forward looking for an equaliser while Pats were threatening on the break, and it was one such break that led to the dismissal of Daragh Ellison for a professional foul on 87 minutes. To add insult to injury, the resulting free kick was curled low past James Robinson to make it 0-2. Rovers now play Athlone Town away next week in the final league game needing just a point to guarantee a top 5 spot and qualification to the 10-team champions league.

Our U17s drew 2-2 in Drogheda to finish 4^th in the standings, cruelly missing out on a top 3 place by just one point. Aaron Heaney and Sam Tuohy scored our goals but the league leaders held on to send Rovers into the Shield which commences at the end of August.

Alice Lilly scored the consolation in our WU17s 2-1 defeat away to Athlone Town on Saturday evening. The result means Rovers will take part in the Shield as we lie seven points from 3^rd with just two games remaining. Next week it’s a trip to Galway for our women before a home game against bottom side Bohemians.

Gary Farren scored once in each half as Rovers beat Mayo 3-2 in a fantastic game at the Showgrounds on Sunday afternoon. Both sides could have doubled their respective score but for some excellent goalkeeping at both ends. Conor Walsh scored our other goal to celebrate his call up to the Irish U18s panel. The lads now travel to Cavan next Sunday with both sides already qualified for the Shield.

The U14s were unluckily beaten by the odd goal in five in Mayo on Saturday and remain 5^th in the table with one game to go. Conor Langan and Danny Woodrow scored the Sligo Rovers goals. We face Cavan/Monaghan at home next week in our final game looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat from earlier in the season and potentially move up to 4^th, both sides have definitely qualified for the Shield however.

Richard Mullan

Last weekend proved to be a frustrating one for our academy teams.

On Wednesday last, our Under 14 side went down 2-1 to Derry City at The Sean Fallon Centre. Cian Nicholson’s goal reduced the deficit but Rovers’ efforts wern’t enough as the visitors closed the game out well in the final stages.

On Saturday, at home to Finn Harps, our Under 17 men’s team drew 1-1. Daire McCarthy’s goal in the first half had given The Bit O Red the lead, but Harps equalised in the second half after Liam Lee was dismissed for Rovers.

Our Under 17 women’s team lost out narrowly to Shamrock Rovers (1-0) at Ballisodare United’s astro turf pitch on a wet and windy afternoon. an entertaining game with plenty of chances for both sides ended up with the visitors taking all three points.

On the same day, Declan Boyle’s men’s Under 19 side were defeated 1-0 by the same opposition at Roadstone in Dublin. The lads are in cup action this evening (Wednesday) at home to Galway United at The Showgrounds.

Darragh Healy took his Under 19 women’s team to Dublin on Sunday to take on Shelbourne. Rovers were unlucky in the game, missing some good chances but the hosts ran out 1-0 winners.

Follow our academy teams on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for daily updates: @sligoroversacad

Dublin will provide the opposition for three of our academy sides over the weekend while a North-West derby kicks off the action on Saturday lunchtime.

Our U17s face Finn Harps at the Sean Fallon Centre looking to guarantee a top three finish in the league. Rovers have been in sensational form recently, winning four consecutive games without conceding a goal – three in a row in the league to add to last week’s 2-0 victory over Derry in the Mark Farren cup. Harps, however, have been in freefall, failing to win any of their previous four games and scoring just once in the process, having initially led the league after the opening weekend. Rovers sit 3^rd behind Derry and Drogheda, who meet this weekend, knowing that victory (and results elsewhere) could ensure qualification to the champions phase with a game still to play. (K.O. – Saturday 1pm)

The U19s face a tough test in Tallaght on Saturday against Shamrock Rovers with both sides smarting from a first defeat of the season last weekend.  Rovers and Shams were tied on top with 13 points but lost at home to UCD and St. Pats respectively as they slipped behind Derry City in the standings. With three games of the league campaign remaining, it would be a shock if either team fell out of the top five at this stage (Athlone are 6^th, six points adrift) while victory for either side would virtually guarantee a spot in the Champions Phase in September. (K.O. – Saturday 2pm)

Rovers and Shams meet twice this weekend, the WU17 face their capital counterparts in Boyle on Saturday evening in Group A. Shams are undefeated this season and lead Galway by a point at the top of the league with a massive eight-point gap then separating 2nd and 3rd. Rovers are currently 4^th but just a point behind Donegal in 3^rd with a game in hand. Since two of the best 3^rd place sides (From Group A, B and C) will qualify for the Champions Phase in September, Rovers have plenty to play for in this upcoming congested period of 5 games in the next 21 days. (K.O. – Saturday 4pm)

Our WU19 wrap up their season away to Shelbourne in Group B on Sunday afternoon with qualification for the League Shield almost certain. Group A was completed last weekend meaning our women need a big win in Dublin along with a Donegal slip against Bray (bottom on 0 pts) to have any chance of the Champions Phase. It is unfortunate for our women who have played so well this season and such a fine line between the top 3 and the rest, our 1-0 defeat to league leaders DLR Waves on July 4^th stands out as we conceded in the 87^th minute while down to 10 women due to injury. Even a 0-0 in that game would have Rovers in pole position for 3^rd heading into this weekend. As such, Rovers will be one of the favourites to lift the Shield next month. (K.O. – Sunday 2pm)

Richard Mullan

Sligo Rovers host Finn Harps on Saturday in The Showgounds in the SSE Airtricity League.

All of the club’s season ticket holders will be present at the game with the attendance increased to 800 for the match at the traditional 7:45pm on Saturday night slot in Sligo.

The match is available on LOITV.

Rovers have edged the two games with Harps so far this year by one goal, 1-0 and 3-2, and sit in third place in the league.

Exits from the Europa Conference League and the FAI Cup were part of four defeats in July for the Bit O’ Red.

Rovers had a vacant weekend last week due to the postponement of the match with Dundalk so they return to the Showgrounds determined to bounce back from the disappointing period.

In team news, Robbie McCourt will miss out (wrist). He will come into consideration later this month.

Danny Kane is doubtful with a hamstring injury.

Ed McGinty is fit again and available to play.

John Mahon and Niall Morahan had injuries from the FAI Cup game with Cork City but have recovered and are available.

Liam Buckley said: “We’ve been anxious to play a game in truth. We’ve trained a lot the last two weeks and the lads have applied themselves well. The extra week has allowed us to get more players fully recovered and from a squad point of view, we’re in a good place going into Saturday with greater numbers.

“It was a bad month in terms of results. We have to look forward because there is no point looking back on what is gone.

“We’ve got 16 games to come in the league and it’s all to play for. We know looking at the table that anything is possible and a couple of positive results will go a long way keeping in mind the proximity of the two teams above us.

“Finn Harps are in need of the points as well so it’s going to be a really competitive game.

“We’re all in this together at this club and I know our supporters want to see the team at their best. They know if the team can be at it, then we’ve a very exciting few months to come.

“Our focus is on that and we’ll be doing all we can to get the result on Saturday. It is important we respond and find a result and performance so we look forward to the game.”  

The Bit O’ Red are back in action this Saturday night at 7.45pm at The Showgrounds against North West neighbours Finn Harps.

With 800 supporters permitted to attend this game, we are now asking Season Pack holders to arrive to the turnstiles on Saturday night and produce your season ticket booklet.

This booklet is unique to you and will be checked, along with Valid ID on the night to allow you access to the match.

Anyone who turns up without a their Season Pack booklet will be refused entry. This will be strictly implemented.

Seats in both the Treacy Avenue Stand and Jink’s Avenue Stand will be first come, first served and will be marked out for social distancing purposes.

The Pet Stop Stand will also be open as well as a small number of standing spaces at the near, Nazareth House End.

We are asking all supporters in attendance to remember to keep apart by sitting only in seats that are permitted to be used. Face coverings must also be worn at all times, to increase everyone’s safety.

We will have a limited amount of general sale tickets for The PetStop End and Standing area at The Showgrounds on Friday on sale between 2pm and 4pm.

All tickets are priced €15 with no concessions.

This will be strictly a maximum of TWO tickets per person, with no exceptions.

Sales will be in The Showgrounds only with no sales over the phone or digitally. We will ask for details for contact tracing.

We thank all supporters for their patience and support.

The club will be permitted to increase our capacity for our upcoming games against Finn Harps (this Saturday 7.45pm) and Derry City (Saturday August 21st 7.45pm) to 800, in line with government and public health guidelines.

Rovers are currently working with our ticketing partner on a new system which will allow all Season Pack holders to redeem a unique barcode through our ticketing portal, enabling them to redeem their barcode to download a match ticket for each home match, until their Season Match Pack book is fully used.

These supporters would then print their E Ticket and present it on match night at the turnstiles, along with one ticket from their booklet.

Season Pack holders will receive instructions in the next day or so with this information, once finalised. We urge supporters to please check their emails, including their spam or junk folders.

If Season Pack holders are in any doubt about the email address provided at the time of purchase, please email your correct email address without delay to colinfeehily@sligorovers.com

Once finalised, this system will allow the club to give Season Pack holders an opportunity and a deadline to avail of their ticket for each game and after this point an amount of general sale tickets would be available at The Showgrounds at a designated time one day before the fixture.

It is hoped this system will help those supporters who may not have had an opportunity to purchase a Season Pack for this season the chance to attend our games again, having missed out previously.

Away supporters will be unable to attend The Showgrounds until further notice.

We thank all our supporters for their support and patience in recent times.