Sligo Rovers supporters can purchase tickets for Friday’s SSE Airtricity Premier Division match with Dundalk at Oriel Park at entrance points.
The Bit O’ Red have an allocation of tickets and they will be available at gates.
Kick-off is 7.45pm with the game also live on LOITV.
Both our Under 19 sides maintained their 100% records this past Sunday at the Showgrounds and stretched their lead at the top of their respective league tables.
Josh Mulrennan scored the game’s only goal against Shelbourne, his second in consecutive weeks since returning from injury, to make it three wins from three at the top of the Elite league. Rovers’ Under 19’s have conceded just once in those three games and boast the 2nd best defensive record (after Bohemian FC) in the country since the initial campaign got underway at the end of June. The lads next face a trip to Dublin on Sunday to take on the current bottom side, UCD. The students drew 1-1 at home to Cobh Ramblers this weekend to pick up their first point after successive defeats to Shamrock Rovers and Derry City.
Ella Vahey, Sarah Kiernan and Eimear McIntyre helped Rovers U19 Women to a 3-1 win at the Sean Fallon Centre also on Sunday evening, as they too made it three wins from three in the Shield Group A. Rovers lead the 4-team group by three points at the halfway stage and only need a further four points to guarantee a place in the Shield Semi-Finals. Next up for our women is a Sunday trip to Donegal, a repeat of the group opener that Rovers won 2-1 in August.
Eimear McIntyre had a weekend to remember as she was also on the scoresheet some 26 hours earlier, this time in a frantic 3-3 draw between Rovers U17 Women and DLR Waves. Rebecca Doddy hit her 8th in as many weeks and Brigit O’Reilly scored her first of the season to keep Rovers top of the table on goal difference ahead of Greystones. Rovers meet Greystones away in the Woodlands next Saturday where the hosts have yet to taste victory this summer, drawing two and losing the other three.
Gary Farren scored once again for Rovers U15, his 5th goal in five games, but it wasn’t enough as the lads were beaten 2-1 by Klub Kildare at the Sean Fallon Centre early Sunday afternoon. It was the second 2-1 reverse in succession and leaves the boys with just one point from three games. Rovers are back in action in three weeks time (Oct. 10th) at home to Longford in a must-win game, while hoping for a favour in the other games, if we are to stand any chance of qualifying for the Quarter Finals.
A similar but less daunting prospect faces the U14 side after a 1-1 draw with Kildare on Saturday afternoon at the same venue. Cillian O’Neill scored Rovers only goal for the second week running to add to his equaliser last week in Athlone. It means Rovers sit 3rd after three games and must beat Longford at home (Oct. 9th) on the final day of the season to reach the Quarter Finals. Athlone and Kildare are the only sides who can prevent Rovers from finishing top 3 but they face each other in Westmeath on the final day to leave our fate in our own hands.
Richard Mullan
There are five academy games taking place over Saturday and Sunday, with the unusual scenario of having a full list of home fixtures.
Starting off on Saturday afternoon will be our Under 14 team who host Klub Kildare at 1pm at The Sean Fallon Centre.
Across town at 2pm Aaron O’ Connor’s Under 17 Women’s team host DLR Waves in Cleveragh.
On Sunday afternoon The Showgrounds will be busy as we host three fixtures.
Kildare are again the opposition, this time for our Under 15 team at 1pm on The Sean Fallon Centre All Weather Pitch.
Our Under 19 men, managed by Declan Boyle host Shelbourne at 4pm on The Showgrounds pitch.
30 minutes later our Women’s Under 19 team kick off against Greystones on the all weather.
It promises to be another entertaining weekends action. Admission is free to all our Academy games and all support is welcome.
Sligo Rovers face Shamrock Rovers in a re-arranged SSE Airtricity Premier Division match in The Showgrounds on Saturday.
The Bit o’ Red sit in third place and face the leaders in a match between the sides with the best defences in the league.
Tickets for the game are available at turnstiles for all home fans. Away fans will not be admitted without a ticket and their allocation is sold out.
Rovers recorded back to back home wins in the last week, seeing off St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 and Dundalk 2-1.
Earlier this season the teams played out a 1-1 draw in Sligo, while Romeo Parkes’ goal settled the game in Tallaght Stadium.
In team news, Mark Byrne (ankle) and Regan Donelon (illness) return to the group.
Shane Blaney remains out with a foot problem. Johnny Kenny and Lewis Banks are doubts after picking up knocks in Tuesday’s game and will be checked pre-game.
Manager Liam Buckley said: “We were delighted to get three points on Tuesday. We knew Dundalk would be a tough game because they still have a strong starting XI and coming away with the result was great.
“The attitude we’ve shown and the buy-in from the players coming off the run we’ve been on has been particularly pleasing. They understand what it takes.
“This game is no bigger than any other, it’s another three points on offer in the same way as any other game, and we don’t get jump up and down if we win games or write things off if we don’t.”
Rovers face a third game in eight days but the manager is not concerned by the schedule.
“As long as you have four days between games, it’s enough to be able to recover properly. We spoke to the players about the mental and physical challenges as we move from game-to-game, it isn’t a problem to play Tuesday-Saturday. We’ve had time to get right again.
“Shamrock Rovers have been the benchmark for the last 18 months. They’ve a good style and we’re aware of how difficult it will be. We’ve done well against them this season and again they’ve been close games.”
With a crowd of up to 2,100 possible, with 1,900 home supporters, Buckley is also looking forward to another match in Sligo.
“It was nice to have a couple of results in The Showgrounds from the point of view that the fans stuck with us in recent weeks when we didn’t get them.
“They know we’re in this battle to achieve our target at the end of the season and we’re going to give everything to try to get it over the line.
“This is another game in that challenge in front of our supporters which we all appreciate after going so long without them.”
Sligo Rovers can confirm a capacity of 2,100 will be in operation for Saturday’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match with Shamrock Rovers at The Showgrounds. There will be no changes to the last two home matches.
Season Ticket holders can use their 13 digit barcode, which was emailed to them on August 11th to gain access to our ticketing system on this link.
Season Pack holders have until Friday morning (September 17th) to claim their tickets. Without pre-booking, season pack holders will not be guaranteed entry into the main stand.
Our stadium seating plan will be in operation and supporters must use their assigned seats as per your E-Ticket. Season Pack holders must also bring one ticket from your season pack booklet and present it on the turnstiles.
While E-Tickets can be used digitally on a smart phone, we encourage fans to print them out where possible as this makes it easier for our scanning team and fastens up the entrance process for everyone.
All other home fans can gain entry by paying cash at turnstiles. There will be no online sale prior to the game on Saturday for home supporters – they can purchase tickets at turnstiles with cash.
Please respect seating arrangements with assigned seating.
With 1,900 tickets for home supporters, we encourage supporters to arrive on time as the game is expected to reach near capacity.
Shamrock Rovers have been issued with 10% of capacity. They are being distributed to members of Shamrock Rovers. No Shamrock Rovers fans can pay at turnstiles. This will be strictly enforced on the night.
Away fans will be situated in the usual away section, in sections T, U and V of the Jinks Avenue Stand. Shamrock Rovers supporters can only enter through online sales with no tickets available at the stadium
Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley felt his side just shaded last Tuesday’s game with Dundalk in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
Rovers came from behind as Patrick Hoban’s goal was cancelled out by Andre Wright and then Lewis Banks won it early in the second half.
Dundalk had the better of the play in the first half but the Bit O’ Red took more control in the next 45 minutes.
Buckley said: “We deserved it marginally. We both had spells of possession overall I think we deserved it, especially with the chance we had in the second half where Johnny Kenny was through on goal. I think overall on the balance of things it was a fair result. It was a really close one.”
The Rovers boss was pleased to see his side bounce back from the concession of the goal to Hoban and a sloppy start, given the problems conceding goals caused during a tough summer spell.
“It did help to get that goal back quickly as we have been behind in quite a few matches and found it difficult to get back into them, never mind go on to win them. That was great and it put us right back in it. We know Dundalk have quite a few injuries.
“That said, we’ve had them over the last few months which hasn’t helped us. I have no doubt going forward they will win a few games.
“Looking at tonight’s game, there was very little between us and them.
“They’ve still got a strong group so I have no doubt they’ll be feeling a little bit unlucky. From where we are at, it’s a great three points.”
Not for the first time this season, Banks was the danger at the set-piece and it looked like a rehearsed effort.
The Rovers manager said considerable time goes into perfecting placed balls.
“We have worked on it – although slightly different to the one we scored this evening. Nonetheless we do work on all our set plays.”
Sligo Rovers moved to within five points of second placed St Patrick’s Athletic as they piled further misery on Dundalk with their second win over the Lilywhites this season.
Vinny Perth’s men took the lead through Pat Hoban in this rearranged tie, but Rovers turned the tide courtesy of Andre Wright’s first goal for the club and Lewis Banks’ winner.
Without a league win since July and missing a number of players due to injury and suspension, Dundalk certainly didn’t look like a team who have taken just one point from their last six league games.
Rovers’ Adam McDonnell did land an early free kick on to the roof of Alessio Abibi’s net, but the visitors improved instantly.
Midfielder Sam Stanton danced his way past two challenges in the middle only to drag his resulting effort narrowly wide of the target. While Sligo’s Ryan De Vries inadvertently played possession straight to Hoban who could only sky from a profitable position after good play down the Dundalk left side.
The hosts were sloppy again on 18 minutes. The usually attentive Garry Buckley with a uncharacteristic slip as he conceded possession. The ball falling to Hoban who again missed the target.
The same man made Sligo pay seconds later.
More hesitancy in the Rovers box saw McDonnell and goalkeeper Ed McGinty get their wires crossed. Play finally falling to Hoban who turned the ball home for Dundalk’s opener.
Sligo, who kept faith with the same starting eleven that ended their recent winless streak against Pat’s on Friday, replied straight away.
David Cawley coming short for a corner before sending the ball all the way through to the back post for the waiting Wright to tap home for his maiden goal for the club.
Johnny Kenny, who registered Rovers’ fastest ever penalty against the Saints had his shot on the turn saved by Abibi seconds after the restart. While defender John Mahon did just enough to put Hoban off as he attempted to head home Sami Ben Amar’s centre moments later.
Liam Buckley’s charges hit the led on 51 minutes. Abibi punching Banks’ header from a neatly clipped Greg Bolger set piece over his own head but under his crossbar as Banks wheeled away to celebrate his second of the year.
Kenny looked favourite to win the duel but blazed over whilst one- on-one with Abibi on 61 after Cawley played the perfect ball into the path of the youngster.
John Mahon had the ball taken off his head by a brave Dundalk challenge at the front post, as he connected with a Cawley corner seventeen minutes from time.
Substitutes Walter Figueira and Sligo new boy Mervyn Lorenzen both went close in quick succession in the last ten minutes as Rovers looked to kill off the game.
Dundalk pressed Rovers in added time but couldn’t find an elusive leveller. The defeat is Dundalk’s fifth in their last six league outings.
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks, John Mahon, Garry Buckley; Robbie McCourt; David Cawley (Colm Horgan 80), Greg Bolger, Adam McDonnell (Niall Morahan 71); Ryan De Vries (Walter Figueira 65), Andre Wright, Johnny Kenny (Melvyn Lorenzen 65).
Dundalk: Alessio Abibi; Cameron Dummigan, Andy Boyle, Sonni Nattestad, Raivis Jurkovskis; Greg Sloggett, Sam Stanton (Sean Murray 79); Sami Ben Amar (Mayowa Animasahun 57), Will Patching, Micheal Duffy; Pat Hoban.
Referee: Ben Connolly.
Sligo Rovers host Dundalk on Tuesday night in a re-arranged SSE Airtricity Premier Division match in the Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm.
The match was scheduled for July but was postponed when the Lilywhites reached the third round of the Europa Conference League.
The teams will meet again later this month – the only clash so far this season was 1-0 win for Rovers in Oriel Park after a Jordan Gibson goal.
Rovers earned a first win since 3 July last Friday after overcoming St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0.
Shane Blaney (foot) is the only confirmed absentee for this game, with Rovers set to have the same squad as the Pat’s game.
Capacity for this game is 2,100. Home fans can pay at the turnstiles or use their season pass. Dundalk have 10% of the tickets, which they can buy on SRFC Direct.
Manager Liam Buckley said: “It was a difficult game on Friday and one we did well in. It was important to get the win with our objective of qualifying for European football for next season.
“It’s still our objective and that was just one result in trying to achieve that target. We’re going to need to keep picking up points because of all the teams fighting it out.
“We juggled things up a bit last week and they all put in a good shift, working extremely hard, and we’re going to need that again on Tuesday night.
“I was at Dundalk’s game in Longford and while I know they are down a lot of players, their overall squad is big and when you look at the team they can put out, it’s still filled with top-quality players. As we know in this league, every game is so well contested and anything can happen. From our point of view it’s about application and building on Friday night.”
Buckley also spoke about the return of supporters, with a passionate crowd getting behind his team last week following the increase to 50% capacity.
Rovers are currently on a run of five home games in six matches.
“It’s very helpful to have that backing. I know we got the early goal but they really make a difference. It’s a two-way scenario – they’ve been great to us and we have to be great to them. From a performance point of view, we had that on Friday night and it’s up to us to keep finding that to achieve the overall goal. We are all in it together.”
Sligo Rovers can confirm a capacity of 2,100 will be in operation for Tuesday’s re-arranged SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match with Dundalk at The Showgrounds.
Season Ticket holders can use their 13 digit barcode, which was emailed to them on August 11th to gain access to our ticketing system on this link.
Season Pack holders have until Tuesday morning (September 14th) to claim their tickets.
Our stadium seating plan will be in operation and supporters must use their assigned seats as per your E-Ticket. Season Pack holders must also bring one ticket from your season pack booklet and present it on the turnstiles.
While E-Tickets can be used digitally on a smart phone, we encourage fans to print them out where possible as this makes it easier for our scanning team and fastens up the entrance process for everyone.
All other home fans can gain entry by paying cash at turnstiles. There will be no online sale prior to the game on Tuesday for home supporters – they can purchase tickets at turnstiles with cash.
Please respect seating arrangements with assigned seating.
Dundalk will receive an allocation of 10% – which will go on sale online from Sunday via Sligo Rovers.
Away fans will be situated in the usual away section, in sections T, U and V of the Jinks Avenue Stand. Dundalk supporters can only enter through online sales with no tickets available at the stadium.
We look forward to welcoming our supporters to the ground on Tuesday.
The management committee wish to acknowledge the patience of supporters who missed out on games in the last 18 months and helped create such a special atmosphere at the game vs St Patrick’s Athletic last Friday night. We are thrilled to be able to welcome back so many fans and ask to continue to follow Covid-19 protocols in order to make it a safe event for all.
