Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team return to the east coast for the second time in the space of eight days tonight, this time travelling to the capital to take on Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
Kick-off in Drumcondra is 7.45pm as both sides face off in round 16 of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, the second match between the clubs this season.
Daniel Kelly scored the only goal of a tightly fought contest at the Showgrounds back in March, the only meeting of the clubs so far in 2026. While the Bit O’Red will be looking for a first win at Tolka since 2024, a victory which would move Rovers ahead of Shels in the table.
John Russell’s side come into this contest in the better form with three wins and a draw from their last five, while the Dubliners have taken four points from their last five.
The Rovers boss will again be without a few bodies due to injury, but defender Sean McHale will return having missed Monday’s eventful draw with Pat’s due to the rules of his loan. As of Thursday evening, Russell also hopes that Ciaron Harkin and Jeannot Esua will be fit enough to be included in the match day squad at least.
“We’ve shown good grit and real determination in recent weeks and not always under easy circumstances”, Russell says ahead of tonight’s game.
“We’ve been without our full compliment for pretty much all season. We haven’t had a fully fit squad yet. But the players that we’ve called on throughout, I cannot question their character or willingness to fight for everything and we’ll need them all again.
“We’ve come from behind in a few games too and a few lads are playing with niggles so we’ve all really been together as a unit, all pushing in the same direction.
“They’re such honest players and give it all for each other. They’ve left everything on the pitch the last few months and they will have to do it again tonight in Dublin.
“Prep has been good for this one. It’s always tough to have three games in such a short space of time but we’re ready to go.”
Tolka Park hasn’t been the kindest of venues to travelling Rovers sides in recent years. Sligo have only managed one win there since 2022 but Russell knows his team have it in them to take the game to Joey O’Brien’s men.
“It’s going to be tough, no doubt. They have some of the best players in the country and have experience all over the pitch and on the bench”, he says.
“They went very close to winning a Dublin derby against Bohs last week and we need to be careful that they don’t hit us with a backlash tonight. But you have to expect it at least.
“We’ve given some good teams a good rattle in recent weeks and we’re full of confidence and really looking forward to this one.
“We’re scoring goals, creating chances and we’ve only conceded three in our last six so we’ll be looking to give a good account of ourselves up there.
“Tolka is always tough but you’re always striving to get that consistency in your play and a few good results in a row. If we can continue the way we’re going, then we won’t be far off keeping up this good form.”
David Goulden