There was goals at either end late on as Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw at the Showgrounds.

Hoops goalkeeper Alan Mannus allowed a speculative drive from Walter Figueira slip between his hands for what looked like a Bit O’Red winner with eight minutes to go.

But Sligo were to be denied what would have been a third win in four when luckless defender John Mahon turned the ball into his own net in added time.

Sligo came into this tie ahead of their opponents in the league table for the first time since they themselves were reigning champions in 2013.

But it was the current title holders who threatened first when Graham Burke had Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty at full stretch to push the striker’s effort wide, after Burke hand linked up with Dylan Watts and Ronan Finn.

Despite an evenly contested opening half, it did take the hosts 24 minutes to make any real ground in front of the Hoops goal.

Figueira had the ball in Mannus’ net after a well worked short corner routine saw the ball land at the feet of ex-Hoops and Sligo skipper Greg Bolger.

Bolger’s rasping drive was kept out by the Northern Ireland international before Figueira tapped home, but the referee’s assistant on the Jinks’ Avenue side adjudged the former Derry playmaker to have been offside in the build-up.

Liam Buckley’s charges matched their opponents stride for stride for the remainder of the half.

McGinty held Lee Grace’s header from a Finn corner ten minutes from the break. While Robbie McCourt’s set piece from the angle wasn’t too far off after the speedy Jordan Gibson had been upended at the perimeter of the penalty area.

Both camps were seeking to end either’s unbeaten start to 2021 and it was the Connaught men who began this second period the brighter.

Figueira could only stab Colm Horgan’s cross past Mannus’ back post after stellar interplay between both Horgan and Gibson on the Sligo right.

Sean Hoare was forced to atone for his own error on 65 when he recovered well to take the ball off substitute Ryan De Vries’ toe at the front stick. This, after the centre half had conceded possession to Gibson who supplied the cross towards the waiting New Zealander.

Hoops boss Stephen Bradley introduced Rory Gaffney in place of Burke in an effort to introduce fresh impetus to his attack.   

But the Dubliners’ woes were at the other end as Sligo nudged ahead with eight to go.

With nothing on in front of him, Figueira decided to hit what was a chance effort from distance which somehow squirmed its way between Mannus’ hands and beyond the dismayed goalkeeper.

As expected, the Tallaght side threw everything at it for the remainder.

A Lee Grace header from a corner was repelled by the Sligo defence, before disaster then struck at the Sligo end when Mahon turned Gaffney’s cross past McGinty.

The champions spurned a wonderful chance to take all the points in added time, but Chris McCann misjudged the flight of the ball whilst unmarked in front of goal. His header dragging harmlessly wide.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, John Mahon, Garry Buckley, Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger; Romeo Parkes, Walter Figueira, Jordan Gibson; Johnny Kenny (Ryan De Vries ht).

Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus; Sean Hoare, Lee Grace, Liam Scales; Ronan Finn (Sean Gannon 78), Sean Kavanagh; Chris McCann, Dylan Watts; Graham Burke (Rory Gaffney 78), Aaron Greene, Danny Mandriou.

Referee: Derek Tomney.

Sligo Rovers host Shamrock Rovers on Saturday evening in The Showgrounds as the Bit O’ Red look to extend an unbeaten start to the season.

Buy the live stream of the game here . Kick-off is the earlier time of 6pm.

Rovers and the Hoops will meet 44 years to the day of one of their most memorable games when the league title was decided in The Showgrounds.

The legendary Billy Sinclair led the Sligo team to the crown in 1977. It ended a 40-year wait for a league crown.

It isn’t the only noteworthy part of the fixture.

The sides met in what was our fourth game of the season last year and the final one before the league was shutdown. That game brought a 3-2 victory for the visitors and consigned the Bit O’Red to a fourth defeat in-a-row.

Over 13 months on, it has been a better start to this campaign at The Showgrounds ahead of this fourth game of a season.

Two away wins, as well as a point at home to Dundalk, has given Liam Buckley’s side a better position going into the encounter compared to 2020.

At the time, Rovers were beset by injury concerns. The news is somewhat better this time around.

In team news, Lewis Banks returns although Danny Kane is unavailable.

Last Monday Rovers played Finn Harps in a friendly game designed to give players who have not been regularly starting some game time, as well academy players eligible for first-team action.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “It was a tricky game last week in Longford and we came away with the win which we were very pleased with.

“Our points total is very good from the three games and I see us getting better in terms of performance. I know there is more in the group here.

“We had what was really a training exercise on Monday. It was for players who needed some minutes because of various circumstances. I was happy with what we showed in that game. There are good players trying to get into the team whether that is starting or coming off the bench. We know there are good options available to us at the moment.

“This game is really about another three points being on offer. It’s the same in every game in the league. The opportunity is there and we have to do our utmost to take it.

“We know it’s going to be a tough ask. Shamrock Rovers won the league at a canter last season and they’ve won both games so far. They’ve brought more good players into their club in the off-season.

“That said, we have as well. We have to compete well, work hard and give it our all to get something out of the game. I can see it being a tight game. We’ve got to produce the right performance to give ourselves the chance to get the result.”

We are returning for the Last Call of our Bit O Red bingo nights with a grand finale and a total prize money of €2,000 on Wednesday 21 April.

Our first four events were popular among supporters and helped us engage with them and the wider community, as well as raising funds for the club.

We are coming back for one more night, with the biggest prize so far through a total pay out of €2,000.

There will be eight games on the night

Click here to purchase.

Single book for €12.

Double book for €20.

Sligo Rovers would like to thank everyone who entered our colouring competition.

There are a lot of talented artists in the North-West region and indeed further afield.

There were three categories in total, with a prize for each winner in their respective category. The prizes include a signed 2021 Sligo Rovers jersey and a personal zoom call from members of the first team.

The winners, as voted by members of the first team, are as follows:

• Category 1 (4-7 year olds) : Kayne Scanlon, Treacy Ave Sligo.
• Category 2 (8-10 year olds) : Shane O’ Brien, Tubbercurry.
• Category 3 (11-12 year olds) : Annie O’ Connor, Boyle Co. Roscommon.

All winners have been contacted and will receive their prizes later this week.

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley says he can see far better performances coming from his side after they secured a 1-0 victory over Longford Town at Bishopsgate.

Rovers were not fluent in a stop-start game in which they had more of the chances, but had to handle Longford pressure in the second half.

Garry Buckley’s header was enough for the Bit O’ Red on the night, as they moved top of the SSE Airtricity League table.

Buckley told RTÉ Sport: “A great three points

“The performance, from both teams, was compromised a little bit by the pitch. But a great three points from where we’re at.

“It was important, third game into the season, to get a win up here is great.

“I’m pleased with the amount of points we have. It’s great, we’re unbeaten in three games

“That said, our general play has to be far better. We have too many good players to not be playing as well as I can see us playing in my head.

“I do see us getting better, but we just need that happening sooner rather than later.”

The Rovers manager said the tricky pitch at Bishopsgate made it hard for a passing game on the night.

“Look, the pitch hasn’t helped – I’ll be straight – for both teams,” he said

“The ball is bobbling all over the place. When you’re trying to get it in to people’s feet, it’s difficult. So, we had to change up our game plan a little bit, which is not what we’re about here.”

Now at the head of the table at this early stage, Rovers are enjoying their best start since 2013.

Next week sees champions Shamrock Rovers visit The Showgrounds in what will be a fascinating encounter.

“I’m just pleased for the group.

“We need to be a bit more creative… we are in transition, we’ve a few new players, we need to be trying to pick up some points – which we’re doing.

“While we are getting better, we’ve got a nice tally of points. To see us up at the top of the table… last year we were bottom for four or five months. It’s nice from that end. We’re only three games in unfortunately.

“We’ll have to play far better against Shamrock Rovers. It’ll be an interesting game. I’m happy with where we are points wise, but we’ll be looking to be better next week.”

Watch highlights as Sligo Rovers notched a 1-0 win over Longford Town on Friday evening in the SSE Airtricity League.

Sligo Rovers continued the excellent start to the season with a 1-0 win over Longford Town at Bishopsgate.

In a difficult encounter, Buckley rose at a corner early in the second period to give Rovers the victory.

Johnny Kenny had come closest to scoring in the first half after Lee Steacy’s fine save.

Rovers threatened late on when on the break as Longford added pressure but a resolute display was rewarded with three points.

It was enough for the Bit O’ Red to move top of the league for the night. Next up is Shamrock Rovers on Saturday 10 April in a 6pm kick-off in The Showgrounds.

As part of Sligo Rovers FC’s long term plan for the women’s team, we are looking to expand our coaching team ahead of the 2021 Season.

We will have two underage teams in the Women’s National League 2021, adding an Under 19 team alongside our Under 17 team which will enter its fourth season in the league.

We are seeking a 2^nd Head Coach to work alongside current Head-Coach Danny O’Leary who managed our Women’s National League Under 17 team last season.

Job Description
– Help club achieve its vision to ‘Build a brand that is associated with excellence on and off the pitch for women’s football, to be considered as an example of excellence and best practice, and one of the major developer of players within the country at underage, and eventually senior level’.
– The development and nurturing of a pool of elite players to facilitate their current and future success as individuals and as a team.
– Organise, plan and deliver a suitable player development programme in line with the FAI and Sligo Rovers coaching syllabus.
– Uphold the clubs code of conduct and implement club’s vision on and off the pitch.
– Set high standards for the players both on and off the pitch.
– Create and maintain appropriate communication with players / parents / clubs / leagues and any stakeholders relevant to the team
– Ensure the club adheres to FAI & Women’s National League rules and regulations and competition rules. . 
– To ensure that all delivery satisfies the clubs safeguarding and welfare procedures 
– The successful candidate will report to the Women’s Football committee within the club. The women’s committee includes members of the club management committee and is governed by the management committee of Sligo Rovers.

Job Specification:
The successful candidate will be working alongside the club’s elite level coaching staff and gain invaluable experience in the role.

The successful candidate will receive pre-negotiated expenses for any travel costs incurred during the role.

Essential Criteria
– A current valid UEFA B Licence holder as a minimum (for a head-coach role).
– Successful candidate will be subjected to garda vetting clearance. 
– Up to date Safeguarding 1 / Child Welfare Certificate.
– An ability to produce verbal and written reports.
– Access to both email and phone.
– Experience and enthusiasm for coaching and mentoring elite young players and coaches.

Desirable Criteria
– Administrative and organisational skills.
– Previous experience of coaching in female game.
– Coach mentoring experience.

To express your interest in joining the coaching team, please send football CV to  sligoroverswomen@gmail.com  by Friday 9^th April 2021.

In episode three of Meet the Players, Mark Halton chats to Jordan Gibson who joined the club from St Patrick’s Athletic in the off-season.

He tells us of his career so far, scoring the spectacular goal last week in Waterford and loving life in Sligo.

Sligo Rovers face Longford Town on Friday evening at Bishopsgate in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

Rovers have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the league season with a draw and a win.

Rovers will face Longford for the first time in five seasons in the league. There has been two FAI Cup meetings in the meantime with Town winning in 2017 and 2018.

In team news, Lewis Banks will have a late fitness test on a thigh strain. Rovers have no other concerns.

Liam Buckley said: “We were happy with the result in Waterford. There is room for improvement on the performance. We are in some transition, with the new players we have brought in this season, and the most important thing is to pick up points. We’ve done that so far and hopefully we can continue on Friday evening.

“The other positive was how we stuck at it last week. We went 1-0 down which we were disappointed about. Ed made a couple of great saves and the goals we scored to win the game were top class.

“Romeo’s finish was outstanding and Jordan’s shot, it was right in the angle of the goal and you couldn’t position it any better.

“We’ve got a good group of players here and they’re all going to want to play. The most important thing is to keep everyone fit and we go from there.

“We’ve been busy in training the last week and we’re looking forward to another game. 

“Longford have done very well so far. They’ve kept their core group and added even more quality as well. I’ve no doubt that it helps them to have that consistency there from last season.

“They have good energy and drive in the team. It was a brilliant year for them last season.

“They showed character to get promoted through the difficult play-offs in the First Division and we saw it again last week in Dalymount when coming from 2-0 down.

“They’re going to put it up to us, we know that. We go there looking to build on the win last week.”