The Bit O’ Red are back in action tomorrow night as we take on St Patrick’s Athletic at The Showgrounds (7.45pm).

Rovers are currently in fifth place, four points behind St Pat’s who are in third.

Rovers come into the game on the back of two defeats in Dublin last weekend against Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers. The visitors are in better form recently with four points from their last two fixtures, winning in Drogheda and drawing 0-0 in Derry last Monday night.

The game will see the return of former Rovers’ striker Eoin Doyle for the first time since his departure at the end of the 2011 FAI Cup Winning season and another former player, Tim Clancy takes charge of them for the first time at The Showgrounds since taking over in the winter.

Manager Liam Buckley:

‘’We were bitterly disappointed not to pick up any results over the weekend last week. I thought we didn’t start well in Tolka Park against Shelbourne and some mistakes on our part cost us a couple of goals. The second half was better but, overall, we know we need to do better.

We started much better on Monday night. I thought we passed it well at times but just couldn’t create any clear-cut chances in the first half. Even in the second half we created more chances and could have had two or three goals ourselves.

They are probably the best team in the league and when they can bring on the four quality players they did at half-time that changed things.

The atmosphere at our last home game was brilliant. It really spurred the lads on and I’d ask all supporters to get behind us again and hopefully we can get a positive result on the night’’.

In team news, Bit O’ Red ‘keeper Edward McGinty should return from injury. Shane Blaney and David Cawley will return but Max Mata is expected to miss out having hobbled off on Monday. Jordan Hamilton and Nando Pijnaker are also doubts.

The game kicks off at 7.45pm and turnstiles open from 6.30pm.

The Bit O’ Red travel to Dublin tomorrow to take on DLR Waves at The UCD Bowl at 4pm.

The game sees the sides meet for the second time this season after DLR defeated Rovers back in March in our first ever WNL game at The Showgrounds.

Last weekend, Steve Feeney’s side put on yet another spirited display against Galway but fell just short, losing 2-1 after Emma Doherty’s third goal of the season had given us a 1-0 lead but two goals from the visitors, one on the stroke of half time and one with twenty minutes remaining gave them the points.

DLR will prove yet another tough test for Rovers and they are currently in fifth position in the league table with Rovers back in eight.

Manager Steve Feeney:

‘’This weekend we travel to DLR Waves in what will be another welcome test for us all. Manager Graham Kelly has done wonderful work over the last few seasons and as a result DLR have a very strong squad who have already shown this season they are ready to challenge the top sides in the league.

We have now played every team in the league once and while we have no doubt there’s a high standard of players and teams in the league, we are looking forward to the challenge each game brings knowing we have the potential to improve and push our own levels as a team and individuals.

Every loss is tough to take but last weeks was made a lot worse with the injury sustained by Kristen Sample, Kristen has brought so much to our group since her arrival both on and off the pitch and we are all right behind her as she starts her recovery and have no doubt, we will see her back in action when the time is right’’.

In team news, goalkeeper Kristen Sample faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following an arm injury sustained in last weekend’s game with Galway. Emma Hansberry continues to recover from a muscle injury and this game may come too soon for her.

The game is live on LOI TV from 4pm.

Bookings for our 2022 Summer Camps which are sponsored by The Sligo Champion, are now open.

With high demand expected, we would encourage booking as early as possible via the links below.

Each camp runs Monday-Friday, from 10.30am until 3pm daily.

Enquiries: Shane@sligorovers.com

Bookings:

1 Child: https://srfcdirect.com/sligo-rovers-camp-1-child-summer-2022/

2 Children: https://srfcdirect.com/sligo-rovers-camp-2-children-from-1-family-summer-2022/

3 Children: https://srfcdirect.com/sligo-rovers-camp-3-children-from-1-family-summer-2022/

The Bit O’ Red travelled to Dublin for the second time in three days to take on Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Monday night.

Liam Buckley made five changes to his team from Friday’s defeat to Shelbourne with Garry Buckley returning from suspension and Seamas Keogh, Max Mata, Jordan Hamilton and Colm Horgan all coming in for David Cawley who was injured, Aidan Keena, Paddy Kirk, Will Fitzgerald and Mark Byrne. Edward McGinty was due to start in goal however he didn’t complete the warm up due to a rib injury which didn’t heal in time from Friday.

It was a windy night in Tallaght and this meant that both sides looked to get the ball down and play in the first half. The Bit O’ Red had plenty of chances to catch the home side on the counter attack but more often than not, the final ball was lacking. There were half chances as Rovers got in down the left but crosses from McDonnell and McCourt were both cleared by the hosts defence.

Neither side had any serious chances in an even first half.

Stephen Bradley made four half time changes with Graham Burke, Andy Lyons, Chirs McCann and Rory Gaffney all coming on to replace Aaron Greene, Aidamo Emakhu, Gary O’ Neill and Neil Farrugia.

This gave the home side the edge and it wasn’t long until they took the lead. Graham Burke found space in the area and his shot went in past Brush after 54 minutes. Just a minute later it was two. Rory Gaffney got onto a loose ball before finding Burke who took his time and fired past Brush from 15 yards.

Max Mata, Jordan Hamilton and Seamas Keogh were replaced by Will Fitzgerald, Aidan Keena and Cillian Heaney but the home side added to their lead with Burke completing his hat-trick with a curling left footed effort from the angle of the area.

The Bit O’ Red pressed for a goal back and had half chances through Keena and Heaney which were cleared by the Shamrock Rovers defence but Keena did pull one back inside the last ten minutes with a fine strike into the top corner from a tight angle.

The game was seen out by the hosts from there on in and Rovers suffered a second defeat on the road in three days.

Next up we face St Patrick’s Athletic at The Showgrounds this Saturday evening at 7.45pm

Photo: Sportsfile

Our Academy had another busy weekend of action with five games taking place across Saturday and Sunday.

Our Under 14 side travelled to Navan on Saturday and defeated Drogheda United 4-2 thanks to two goals from Troy Kelly and a goal each from Aaron Heaney and Ethan Burns.

Our Under 17 Men’s side had an impressive 3-1 win over Derry City in Ballisodare. Ex Strand Celtic striker Luke Mavrak scored a hat-trick to bring his tally to five goals this season and give Rovers the points.

At The Sean Fallon Centre Aaron O’ Connor’s Under 17 Women hosted DLR Waves at 4.30pm. The girls fell to a 3-1 defeat in an entertaining game, with Keeva Flynn on the scoresheet.

Our Under 19’s were both in action on Sunday afternoon with our Men’s team defeated 3-1 at home to Shelbourne and our Under 19 Women’s team playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Donegal away from home.

Michael Lavin’s fine effort proved only a consolation for Rovers against Shelbourne but qualification was already confirmed for the Elite Phase before the game.

Goals from Ciara Henry, Rebecca Doddy and Lara Swan ensured the points were shared in Letterkenny.

The Bit O’ Red are back on the road again tomorrow, Monday as we face Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium at 8pm.

It’s just ten days since the last meeting between both sides as we played out a 1-1 draw at The Showgrounds with Jordan Hamilton’s equaliser earning a share of the spoils on the night.

Since then, Rovers fell to a 2-1 defeat against Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Friday night. Paddy Kirk scored in the second half for Rovers but two first half goals from the hosts gave The Bit O’ Red a mountain to climb.

Liam Buckley looks ahead to tomorrow’s game:

‘’We have played Shamrock Rovers twice now so far this season and this game comes quickly after the last game just over a week ago so we are both well aware of each other and we know both sides have been fairly evenly matched so far in the previous games.

Tallaght is always a difficult venue and the crowd will be right behind them tomorrow night so the lads will have to be at our best to take something from the game. We go there knowing we can match them and fingers crossed we can get a positive result.

It’s always a good atmosphere when the two sides meet, and I have no doubt tomorrow will be no different’’.

In team news, Shane Blaney remains a doubt after missing Friday’s game. Garry Buckley comes back in following his suspension and Liam Buckley expects to have everyone else available.

Last three:

Sligo Rovers: Drogheda United (Won 3-2), Shamrock Rovers (Drew 1-1), Shelbourne (Lost 2-1)

Shamrock Rovers: Bohemians (Won 3-1), Sligo Rovers (Drew 1-1), Finn Harps (Won 3-1)

Galway took the Women’s National League points at The Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon with a narrow 2-1 victory against hosts Sligo Rovers writes Conall Collier.

Due to an injury to Rovers’ keeper Kristen Sample in the second-half, there was nine minutes added time at the end. Unfortunately for Rovers and Sample, the American sustained a broken arm and will be out of action for a long period.

Rovers enjoyed a good opening spell and there was a great tussle between Lauren Boles for the hosts and Galway’s Julie Ann Russell, a sister of Men’s Assistant Manager John, throughout.

Galway forced two early corners, but Rovers settled into the game and
created a number of good chances without seriously troubling Abbiegayle Ronayne between the posts.

However, there was a scare for the hosts in the 10th minute when Sample had to divert a deflected free out for a corner with a smart save.

Galway continued to press and Sample was in action again in the 14th minute when Emma Starr broke through, but her shot was saved.

Rovers found a perfect response to that let-off when Emma Doherty beat the out-rushing Ronayne in a race for possession and then slotted to the empty net from the edge of the penalty area.

Leah Kelly created the chance with a great piece of individual skill and a good ball out of defence.

Galway reacted positively and upped the tempo and had a couple of efforts narrowly off target before Becky Walsh glanced a 39th minute header off the foot of the post.

The post saved the hosts again soon after when Jenna Slattery was denied and the same player fluffed a couple of better chances on the stroke of half-time.

In added time Walsh headed an equaliser for Galway and they added a second goal on the hour as they resumed the second-half smartly with Shauna Brennan finishing to the net.

Bit O’Red ‘keeper Kristen Sample sustained her injury in her efforts to save the Galway effort and she was replaced by Amy Mahon who was in action fairly quickly as she saved well from Jenna Slattery in the 70th minute after Galway had a goal ruled out for offside.

Russell had a fine effort for Galway that skimmed the top of the crossbar in added time and she also hit the post while the Bit O’Red had long-range efforts from Gemma McGuinness and Sarah Kiernan.

Sligo Rovers – Kristen Sample; Leah Kelly, Orna O’Dowd, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Emma Doherty, Aoife Brennan, Amy Roddy, Kerri O’Hara, Paula McGrory, Sarah Kiernan. Subs –
Fiona Doherty for Brennan 56 mins, Amy Mahon for Sample 60 mins, Helen Monaghan for O’Hara and Katie Melly for Kelly both 70 mins,


Galway WFC – Abbiegayle Ronayne; Becky Walsh, Emma Starr, Shauna Brennan, Chloe Singleton, Julie Ann Russell, Jenna Slattery, Lynsey McKee, Therese Kinnevey, Jamie Erickson, Kate Thompson. Subs – Lauryn Gamache for Slattery 83 mins, Aoife Thompson for McKee and Taylor Rutland Singleton both 89 mins, Nicole McNamara for Thompson 97 mins.

Referee – Sean Stephens.

Bit O’ Red took on Shelbourne on Friday night at Tolka Park in what was the second meeting between the sides this season.

Damien Duff’s Shels defeated Rovers 1-0 at The Showgrounds on April 1st thanks to a Dan Carr penalty.

Liam Buckley made four changes to the side that drew with Shamrock Rovers in the previous game with Will Fitzgerald, Mark Byrne, Robbie McCourt and Paddy Kirk coming into the starting eleven in place of Colm Horgan, Shane Blaney, Jordan Hamilton and the suspended Garry Buckley.

Shelbourne started the better team and looked to create some chances early on but Rovers stood firm and the hosts could only force a couple of corners and one or two half chances which were blocked down by The Rovers’ defence.

On 23 minutes however they took the lead. Adam McDonnell was caught in possession on the edge of his own penalty area and midfielder Jack Moylan picked the ball up and curled it high into the corner past Ed McGinty to give his side the lead.

Rovers had a couple of half chances through Aidan Keena and Fitzgerald soon after but the hosts doubled their lead on 43 minutes when striker Sean Boyd gathered possesion on the edge of the box and just like the first goal he placed it into the corner to give McGinty no chance.

Liam Buckley made two half time changes with Jordan Hamilton and the returning Max Mata coming on to replace Byrne and Fitzgerald.

The changes did give The Bit O’ Red some more urgency and more possession brought some half chances in front of goal with Mata and Hamilton causing problems for the Shels back five.

After the hour mark, Paddy Kirk beat two men and found himself inside the penalty area and his strike flew past Brendan Clarke into the top corner to bring Rovers back into the game.

The game opened up by now and both sides had chances, most notably when Sean Boyd found space in the box but his header was saved by McGinty. The striker got to the rebound first and somehow, McGinty denied him from close range to keep Rovers in it.

Buckley introduced Cillian Heaney, Colm Horgan and Seamas Keogh for the final fifteen minutes in place of Lewis Banks, Greg Bolger and Aidan Keena and had some sustained possession in the final third but couldn’t create a clear chance. Seamas Keogh found space on the left in added time but his cross, which found McDonnell was headed wide.

Next up is Shamrock Rovers on Monday at Tallaght Stadium.

This weekend sees five academy games take place starting off on Saturday afternoon.

Our Under 17 Women’s team host DLR Waves at 4.30pm at The Sean Fallon Centre following our Senior Women’s game on the main pitch at 2pm.

At 3.30pm in Ballisodare United’s ground our Under 17 Men’s team host Derry City. The sides met earlier in the year in Derry with the hosts running out 4-0 winners.

In Navan at 4pm, our Under 14 side face Drogheda United in a friendly. Earlier in the season, The Drogs visited ATU Sligo with Rovers winning 5-2 in an entertaining game.

Sunday sees both our Under 19 teams in action.

Our Under 19 Men’s side host Shelbourne at 2pm at The Sean Fallon Centre knowing that progress to the Elite Phase is already secured following last week’s scoreless draw in Dublin against Bohemians.

At 4.30pm in Letterkenny Darragh Healy and Scott Lynch take their side to face Donegal. The last time the sides met Rovers ran out 4-0 winners just three weeks ago.

Net World Sports have again teamed up with the club to become our Official Equipment Supplier for the 2022 season.

Net World Sports are a leading worldwide supplier of sports equipment. Providing top of the range equipment across sports such as football, GAA, golf, basketball and tennis; they have everything you need to get to the top of your game!

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley spoke of his delight at the deal:

“Having worked with the company before, it’s important we know as a club we are getting good equipment to help us train better and improve on the pitch. The equipment we receive from Net World Sports is second to none and it benefits us in terms of training sessions and preparations throughout the season.

The deal will see the company supply The Bit O Red with FORZA training equipment for the duration of the 2022 season for both Senior and Academy teams.

Lois Jones, Partnership Executive at Net World Sports is equally as pleased with the partnership: “We’re thrilled to be supporting the club as the Official Equipment Supplier for the 2022 season. We look forward to working closely with the team at Sligo Rovers and hope our equipment will aid the players in what we’re sure will be a successful campaign”.

Check out the Net World Sports website at www.networldsports.ie