Sligo Rovers host Shamrock Rovers on Friday night at The Showgrounds in the second clash between the two sides this season. On March 18th at Tallaght Stadium it was certainly a game of two halves as The Bit O’ Red raced into a two goal lead in the first half with goals from Will Fitzgerald and Aidan Keena. Shamrock Rovers rallied and scored twice in the second half to level the game and it ended 2-2.
Both sides are on a good run of form coming into the game, with Rovers winning two from two games after wins over Finn Harps and Drogheda United last week. Shamrock Rovers have won their last five games and are in second place in the league table, behind leaders Derry City.
Liam Buckley looks forward to tomorrow’s game:
It should be a real good occasion on Friday night. There will be a big crowd and I know from previous experience how much this game means to both clubs. We had a tight encounter up in Tallaght last month and I have no doubt tomorrow night will be the same again.
We were delighted to get the three points against Drogheda last Saturday night. I thought we played some nice stuff at times and we had to be patient and thankfully the goal came late on and we got the win.
Shamrock Rovers are a real good side, they are in good form and we know how tough a test it will be for us but we have some great qualities ourselves and we’re looking forward to the game.
In team news Max Mata missed last week’s game with a strain but is improving and is back in training this week. There are no other concerns for Liam Buckley.
Turnstiles open at 6.30pm and supporters are asked to arrive early as a big crowd is expected.
Last three:
Sligo Rovers: Drogheda United (Won 3-2), Finn Harps (Won 1-0), Dundalk (Lost 2-1)
Shamrock Rovers: Bohemians (Won 3-1), Dundalk (Won 1-0), St Patrick’s Ath. (Won 1-0)