Sligo Rovers travel to Dublin once again as we take on UCD at The UCD Bowl tomorrow (Friday) night at 7.45pm.

The Bit O’ Red come into the game on the back of a 2-1 win on Monday night against Derry City at The Showgrounds after goals from Garry Buckley and Seamas Keogh, the latter coming with one of the last kicks of the game after 93 minutes.

UCD were defeated by Shelbourne at Tolka Park on the same night.

The last time the sides met was back in April when a 2-2 draw was played out with Rovers’ goals coming from a Max Mata brace.

Interim boss John Russell:

‘’Everyone was delighted to get back to winning ways on Monday. We were aggressive in our play all night and our mentality was spot on. I felt we created a lot of chances and the players fed off the atmosphere in the ground which helped us to go on and get the late winner.

UCD will be a different challenge tomorrow evening. We know they carry an attacking threat having drawn with them at home in our previous meeting.

The players have worked extremely hard this week and are looking forward to the game. Hopefully we will have a big following on the night’’.

In team news, Garry Buckley was forced off on Monday night and will be assessed close to kick off. David Cawley, Robbie McCourt and Max Mata all near a return to the squad having missed out through injury on Monday.

The game is live on LOI TV from 7.45pm and there is Live commentary on Ocean FM.

All six Sligo Rovers Academy teams are in action over the weekend between Saturday and Sunday.

This sees the teams play their final fixture before the break for Summer exams, apart from our Under 19 Women’s team who will have a game next weekend.

On Saturday, our Under 14 boys team take on Derry City at The Vale Centre at 1pm.

Also at 1pm, our Under 17 Men’s team host Dundalk at The Sean Fallon Centre.

Straight after this game, at 3.15pm our Under 17 Women’s team host Peamount United at the same venue.

On Sunday, our Under 15 team take on Shelbourne at 1pm at The Sean Fallon Centre.

Our Under 19 teams are both in action on Sunday afternoon with the Men’s team taking on Cork City at 3pm in Blarney and the Women’s team travelling to Tallaght Stadium to take on Shamrock Rovers at the same time.

Admission to all our home games is as always, free of charge.

At 37, goalkeeper Richard Brush is the oldest member of the Sligo Rovers squad but don’t let that belay his continuing love and enthusiasm for the game. He has seen it all and won it all in trophy laden spells with Rovers and tonight’s opponents Shamrock. Rovers made a recent start to the season and had a blip in form which was dispelled by wins against Finn Harps and Drogheda United and for Brush he feels this just underlines how strong the League is getting:

“One of the oldest clichés in football is that there is no easy game and this year has proved that more than other seasons, there are no easy games in this League. All the clubs are continuing to improve and do things in a more proper fashion and getting this right in terms of budgets and that. You see now a more even spread of players going to clubs so you see lads who normally would only play for the top six clubs going to the likes of Harps and Shels and Drogs and that’s no disrespect to them clubs. It just shows how things are getting tighter in the league and the gap in standards are narrowing. All clubs now have a certain level of strength in depth that they can turn to and has been seen on their day any club can beat another.”

The good start maybe glossed over that Rovers were somewhat of a rebuild in the off season with the departures of Johnny Kenny to Celtic and John Mahon to St. Johnstone and the arrival of a number of new players including ones who are new to the League and Brush feels that it can take time for sides to gel and that the start they had maybe glossed over that fact:

“It’s a fact in this League that the best players move on, we lost Johnny who was our top scorer and then John who was one of our best performers. These aren’t players who are easily replaced and we have signed well but these lads need time to work their way into the team and to adapt to the League. There is no doubt for me that once they find their feet that they are going to be top lads but there was always going to be a wobble as they settle in. When we were playing St. Pat’s we were telling them they are a strong team one of the better sides in the League and then we go out and beat them. Then you go and play the so called ‘lower teams’ and we lost and that was an eye opener for us all and certainly opened the eyes of the new lads that this is not an easy League. It goes back to what I said earlier that every game is tough, there are no easy games.”

While he might be happy to be in a support role to Edward McGinty, injury meant that Brush was called into action for the games against Drogheda away and Harps at home and he enjoyed getting back out on the pitch:

“Yeah I played against Derry towards the end of last season and then when Ed got injured I was in for the games against Drogheda and Harps and thankfully they were two good results for us. In both games especially the game away against to Drogheda we them early on the counter. We knew from previous years that Drogheda away and be a tough place to game and I have played in some torrid games for us there. We got them with three sucker punches inside the opening half an hour. Still you had to be on top of your game as in the second half they missed a penalty which if that had gone in would have put us under pressure and would have made for a different game. Then against Harps Aidan got a hat trick and while Harps pulled a late goal back it was too late for them to rally. That said they were still having a pop when they were three down. You see that more that clubs aren’t writing games off look at the game against Drogheda last weekend. They went two down but didn’t let their heads drop and got back into the game with a dubious penalty but well I’m biased as I’m a goalkeeper and we have to stick together! But even when they went down to ten it was still a struggle to break them down but we did and Garry got us a late winner. You see now that teams will continue to have a go and chase to find a way back into games.”

Now in his 15^th season in Irish football since he first arrived at the Showgrounds after spells with Coventry and Shrewsbury Brush is still enjoying his football and hopeful to keep going for a few more years yet:

“When I was warming up for the game against Drogheda in the Showgrounds one of the guys in the crowd said to me I remember your debut Brushy. That was away against Bray Wanderers, I came on for John O’Hara, that was my introduction to the club and the League. That was the start of it all and everything that has gone in-between and all the clubs that I have played with, it has been great and I have been lucky to have won trophies and played in big European games and hope there are a few more years left yet. But if it was to come to an end after this season then I would have nothing but fond memories of my career all the way through”.

By Keith O’ Dwyer

The Sligo Rovers Academy teams were all in action this past weekend between Saturday and Sunday.

Our Under 17 Women’s team faced the long journey to Oriel Park where they defeated Dundalk thanks to goals from Cara King and Heather O’ Sullivan on a scoreline of 2-1.

Our Men’s Under 17’s were beaten 3-1 against Finn Harps in Drumoghill. Luke Mavrak continued his good scoring form betting Rovers’ only goal.

Alan Farry’s Under 14’s hosted Shelbourne at Sean Fallon Centre on Saturday and they ran out 2-0 winners thanks to a brace from Jamie O’ Malley to bring his tally to four for the season.

On Sunday, our Under 15 side were beaten 4-0 by Derry City in Ballisodare.

Also on Sunday there were two games at The Sean Fallon Centre at Under 19 level.

At 1.30pm, Our Women’s team beat Bray 4-0 with goals from Ciara Henry, Keela Scanlon (2) and Nadine Hargadon.

Later, Declan Boyle’s Men’s team were in Cup action against Bohemians and the visitors won 2-0 in an entertaining game.

Rovers hosted Derry City on Monday night at The Showgrounds in front of 1973 supporters in the club’s first game since the departure of Liam Buckley on Sunday.

Interim boss John Russell made two changes to the team which lost to Bohemians on Friday night, with Paddy Kirk and Adam McDonnell coming into the starting team in place of Robbie McCourt and David Cawley who were both injured.

The game started with a high tempo and Rovers came out of the blocks flying. Good play from Paddy Kirk and Will Fitzgerald on the left saw the winger deliver a dangerous ball into the area inside the opening minute and Derry had to clear it for a corner.

This set the pace for what was to come as a frantic opening half was underway. The front four of Keena, Fitzgerald, O’ Sullivan and McDonnell were causing problems for the Derry defence and forced a number of corners and had some half chances in the first quarter hour.

It was Keena’s neat turn and shot that forced a corner for Rovers on 20 minutes. Adam McDonnell’s inswinger was flicked on by a Derry defender into the path of Garry Buckley who steered the ball home from a yard out. Buckley wheeled away and celebrated by gesturing to his recently born baby Alvey in a nice moment for the defender.

After that Rovers went in search of a second when Karl O’ Sullivan’s shot was saved by Brian Maher who collected the rebound before McDonnell could get there.

Derry then had a massive chance of their own. A Rovers corner was cleared and midfielder Joe Thompson broke clear of the Bit O’ Red defence from half way and was bearing down on goal. Will Fitzgerald tracked him all the way and Ed McGinty flew out of his goal to deny him brilliantly at his feet.

O’ Sullivan tried his luck again soon after but Maher was equal to it in a real entertaining first half.

Just as the fourth official was about to put the board up to show how many additional minutes would be played, the visitors equalised through Jamie McGonigle who finished well in the area despite pressure from Rovers’ defenders.

The second half started with both teams looking to get a hold of possession in midfield but not many clear cut chances coming for either side.

Adam McDonnell had two shots on target just after the hour, the first coming after Niall Morahan won possession in midfield to find Fitzgerald who slipped the midfielder through in the box but Maher saved well. Aidan Keena took the ball down well and found McDonnell just a minute later, his shot on his weaker right foot didn’t have enough to trouble Derry’s ‘keeper.

The game was opening up at this stage with both teams looking for a second goal. Derry had chances with two Will Patching free kicks which McGinty saved, the second right on the edge of the box which curled around the wall only to be denied by a find save by Rovers’ number one.

The best chance of the half fell to Jamie McGonigle. The striker found himself six yards out from goal and he helped it on past McGinty but it fell agonisingly wide of the left upright.

After this it was all Rovers however and John Russell made changes with Cillian Heaney, Nando Pijnaker and Seamas Keogh all introduced for O’ Sullivan, Morahan and Buckley who picked up an injury.

The home crowd were in full voice as we pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Keena tried his luck from distance but his shot was blocked. Heaney and Horgan combined on the right but the full back’s cross went out the back and to safety.

Fourth official Rob Harvey put up the board to show three minutes of added time at the end of the game. Patient build up play from Rovers saw Seamas Keogh pick up possession just inside the area. He jinked his way past two or three Derry defenders before his effort was blocked when it looked like he might score the all important second goal.

He wasn’t to be denied however and a minute later good play on the left from McDonnell and Fitzgerald eventually saw the ball come to Colm Horgan. Horgan played it inside to Keogh who’s first touch beat the Derry defender. Keogh composed himself before firing into the roof of the net to bring The Showgrounds into raptures.

Paul McLaughlin blew his whistle after Derry restarted the game to signal the end and it meant Rovers picked up a valuable three points on a big night at The Showgrounds.

Next up is a trip to UCD this Friday at 7.45pm

Sligo Rovers FC are currently recruiting for the position of First Team Men’s manager.

The club are working through the process and will be speaking to potential targets in the coming days.

If any other parties wish to apply for the position, they can do so by emailing colinfeehily@sligorovers.com before Wednesday May 25^th at 6pm.

Sligo Rovers take on Derry City tomorrow (Monday) evening at The Showgrounds in The SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

Rovers come into the game following defeat on Friday night away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park, as do the Candystripes who were defeated at home to Dundalk on the same scoreline (2-1).

Last time out the sides played out a scoreless draw in February at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

It will be the first game since the departure of Liam Buckley with John Russell taking charge of the team on an interim basis.

Russell:

‘’A lot has happened in the last 24 hours but the players have worked extremely hard this morning and are fully focused on the game tomorrow night.

Derry have had a strong start to the season so we know it will be a difficult game but we have a lot of quality in our group and the ability to get a result especially being at home in The Showgrounds with our fans behind us.

In team news, Max Mata continues to recover from injury while Shane Blaney and David Cawley are doubts.

The game is at 7.45pm and turnstiles open from 6.30pm.

Sligo Rovers announces that First Team Manager Liam Buckley has departed the club by mutual consent.

Liam was appointed at the end of 2018 ahead of the 2019 League of Ireland season in which the club finished in 7^th place as well as reaching an FAI Cup Semi Final.

In 2020, European football was secured for the first time since 2014 by finishing in fourth position as well as reaching our second FAI Cup Semi Final in as many seasons.

In 2021, our highest league finish since 2013 was achieved by finishing third, once again ensuring European football for this coming summer.

Rovers currently sit in 6th position in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division after seventeen games.

Club Chairman Tommy Higgins:

‘’Liam came to the club in 2019 and directed us to securing two seasons of European football since, which is the aim for the club each season.

Liam carried himself with great dignity throughout, with his experience and knowledge of the league of Ireland being a great asset and his style of football being pleasing on the eye for our supporters.

We wish to send our unreserved thanks to Liam for his commitment during his time and we wish him all the best for the future’’

Assistant manager John Russell will take interim charge of the Bit O’ Red squad, starting with tomorrow’s home game with Derry City FC.

Sligo Rovers kept a first clean sheet in the Women’s National League (WNL) today as early and late goals from Emma Doherty and Gemma McGuinness earned a 2-0 victory against Cork City at the Showgrounds, writes Conall Collier.

This was another solid display by the Bit O’Red with an impressive showing from the defence and goalkeeper Amy Mahon.

There was a dream start for Sligo Rovers with Emma Doherty heading the hosts into a first minute lead from a Gemma McGuinness cross.

Fiona Doherty had an excellent chance for a second goal two minutes later, but her well-struck shot was superbly saved by Maria O’Sullivan between the Cork posts.

Cork settled into the game and created a number of chances that posed problems for the Sligo Rovers rearguard without making any impact on the scoreboard.

After absorbing a period of pressure, Sligo Rovers created a good chance in the 20th minute when Gemma McGuinness almost got through, but a timely tackle by Cork City’s Orlaith Deasy averted the danger.

The Bit O’Red continued to press and McGuinness had a good chance, but was off target after Fiona and Emma Doherty combined to create the opening.

Cork then had a lucky escape in the 26th minute when an attempted clearance by defender Ciara McNamara hit her own post and was then cleared.

Cork City made three changes at half-time, but the hosts created the early chances with Fiona Doherty denied by a smart O’Sullivan save and then she hit over as the pressure was maintained on the Munster women.

It was midway through the half before Cork created a decent chance when a shot from Nathalie O’Brien was saved by Amy Mahon who handled confidently throughout.

At the other end Emma Doherty had a good chance saved and in a quick counter Cork City created an opening but Orna O’Dowd’s timely intervention averted the danger.

In the closing stages the hosts added a crucial second goal when Gemma McGuinness raced on to a Leah Kelly pass and finished past the advancing O’Sullivan to seal the victory.

Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Leah Kelly, Orna O’Dowd, Amy Hyndman, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Emma Doherty, Amy Roddy, Kerri O’Hara, Fiona Doherty, Paula McGrory. Subs – Jessica Casey for O’Hara half-time, Katie Melly for Fiona Doherty 70 mins, Aoife Brennan for McGrory and Lauren McLellan for E Doherty both 80 mins, Sarah Kiernan for McGuinness 85 mins.

Cork City – Maria O’Sullivan; Danielle Burke, Ciara McNamara, Zara Foley, Nadine Seward, Riona Crowley, Becky Cassin, Orlaith Deasy, Eva Mangan, Lauren Walsh, Lauren Singleton. Subs – Ellie O’Brien for Crowley, Shaunagh McCarthy for Singleton and Nathalie O’Brien for Walsh all half-time, Aoibhin Donnelly for Deasy 79 mins, Chloe Atkinson for Seward 85 mins.

Referee – Michael Connolly.

Assistant-referees – Darren Corcoran and Keenan Deering.

Fourth official – Declan Toland.

Sligo Rovers travelled to Dublin for the third time in a fortnight on Friday to take on Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

The sides had already met earlier in the season at The Showgrounds when Bohs ran out 1-0 winners after a Liam Burt strike in the first half.

Liam Buckley made two changes to his starting team from last week’s draw with St Patrick’s Athletic with Colm Horgan and Robbie McCourt coming into the team in place of Lewis Banks and Paddy Kirk.

Nando Pijnaker hadn’t fully recovered from an injury so could only make the bench while Jordan Hamilton returned to the squad having missed last week’s game.

The first half was an even encounter with neither side creating much of note. Aidan Keena shot from distance and Robbie McCourt headed wide from one of Rovers’ four corners but James Talbot wasn’t tested in goal. Defender Ciaran Kelly went closest for the hosts as his header didn’t have enough power to get past Ed McGinty in Rovers’ goal.

The sides went in level at the break.

Bohs started the second half the better team and created one or two half chances, most notably through Dawson Devoy who volleyed over after a cross from Max Murphy.

Devoy didn’t have to wait long however and he scored the opening goal on 61 minutes. Jordan Flores broke into the box and his cross come shot fell to Promise Omochere who couldn’t find enough space to work a shot but he teed up Devoy who made no mistake from close range.

Liam Buckley made four changes soon after this to try and get back into the game with Nando Pijnaker, Lewis Banks, Adam McDonnell and Jordan Hamilton introduced for Morahan, O’ Sullivan, Fitzgerald and Blaney.

The home side doubled their lead with 15 minutes remaining however thanks to a goal from ex Rovers striker Junior Ogedi Uzokwe following another assist from Omochere.

Rovers pushed forward late on and Adam McDonnell dispatched a loose ball from the edge of the area past Talbot to bring us back into it but it wasn’t enough and the home side held out for three points.

(Pic: Sportsfile)