Liam Buckley believes his side are improving in terms of team performance, as he targets further cohesion to win more matches early in this SSE Airtricity League season.

The Bit O’ Red were in scintillating form at times last night in the 3-1 success over Bohemians.

The game did ebb and flow with both sides having periods of dominance.

Some brilliant goals by Jordan Gibson, Mark Byrne and David Cawley won it for Rovers.

Buckley said: “We’ve worked extremely hard. There wasn’t a lot in the game. That said, all of our goals were top class.

“Jordan was on the end of a great move. Mark Byrne had a lot to do for his goal and David Cawley’s strike was fantastic.

“We said at the start of the second half not to let Bohs play their way into it and not concede. It was a great strike by Liam Burt. We could get out quicker and close it down, but it was a great hit.

“We had to ride our luck a little bit. Bohs had that great chance through Ward I think. I know I’ve said it but there is more in the group.

“We know we’ve got good players here but it’s the team performance which will win us games.

“We need to play better than we’ve done tonight. I know we won the game and saw it out well at the end but I don’t think a 3-1 scoreline tells the story. It was a lot closer than that and to make sure you win games we need to improve on each performance if we can.”

The Rovers boss has kept a settled team throughout the first six games, which a maximum of one change per starting line-up and just 16 players used so far.

Byrne was denied his first goal, incorrectly, by an offside call against Dundalk earlier this season but he did get his moment last night.

Buckley admits he has been impressed by Byrne in the last year, with the 20-year-old doing well in pre-season and his substitute appearances.

“Mark is going to be a top player. I certainly know that. He has had to wait and he’s been unlucky not to be in the team the last few weeks. There’s a few more lads in the same category like Lewis Banks and Regan Donelon.

“Mark is only a couple of years older than Johnny Kenny. I see a bright future for both of them and I’m delighted for Mark to get his first goal.

“These lads who aren’t starting, they’re driving us on each week and we know they’re ready to step in. The lads in the team know if they don’t perform there are players who want to get in.”

It’s Derry City up next for the Bit O’ Red. Rovers are enjoying their best start to the season since 2013.

However, Buckley has warned of the dangers of the Candystripes as they begin to pick up points.

“We’re half a dozen games into the league. We’ve started alright. We’ve got Derry on Saturday and they had a good result last night against Dundalk.

“They’ve been a little bit unlucky so far. I have no doubt it’ll be dog rough again at the weekend.

“We’ve shown a bit of character over these previous games and if we continue on with that team-building process, we’ll give ourselves a chance of winning the game.”             

Sligo Rovers maintained their unbeaten start to the season as they saw out a thrilling 3-1 away win against Bohemians on Tuesday evening.

The win ensures Liam Buckley’s side remains joint-top of the SSE Airtricity League, level on points with his former clubs Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic.

A series of incredible goals from Jordan Gibson, Mark Byrne and David Cawley were enough to cancel out Liam Burt’s goal of the season contender, and allow Sligo to return west with another valuable three points.

While we are still in the early days of the season, Buckley – who secured European football for the Bit O’ Red last season – may suddenly boast a title-challenging team, with a healthy blend of experience and youth playing his characteristic attractive football both home and away.

Both sides should have had a goal apiece within the opening three minutes following a series of calamitous errors at the back.

Initially, Georgie Kelly found himself one-on-one after intercepting Garry Buckley’s clumsy back pass but the striker’s eventual effort was gently struck at Ed McGinty in the visitors’ net.

With a little more composure on show, Sligo would have been 1-0 down, however, just moments later they were nearly in the lead.

This time, it was Bohs’ usually reliable goalkeeper James Talbot who made the mistake.

Channeling his inner Manuel Neuer, the former Ireland youth international surged to the edge of his box to clear the danger of a long ball but completely failed to make a connection with his kick.

Romeo Parkes ran into possession, but Talbot eventually recovered well to smother the ball when Parkes passed to Johnny Kenny at the back post.

Kenny, the 17-year-old who scored the winner against Finn Harps last weekend, nearly got on the scoresheet on the 10th minute when his furiously hit shot rattled the Bohs crossbar.

With the game showing no signs of slowing down, Sligo finally opened the scoring with an incredible team goal on the half-hour mark. Gibson finished the move with a wonderfully hit volley but it was Parkes’ ingenuity that crafted the opportunity.

The former Jamaican international skilfully flicked the ball over the head of Ciaran Kelly on the half-way line before finishing the move by delivering a perfect cross for Gibson to strike home at the back post.

As Bohs wrestled to get back into the first-half, it was 19-year-old Jack Moylan who shined brightest, beating his man and whipping in crosses from the right wing on a couple of occasions. Kelly, however, couldn’t find himself in the right position to finish off either delivery.

Perhaps it was the simultaneous demise of the European Super League or perhaps it was Keith Long’s half-time team talk, but the fan-owned Phibsborough side came out swinging immediately after the break.

The second-half was just a minute old when Liam Burt equalised with a rocket of a shot from 25 yards out.

Just minutes later, Kelly almost had the home side in front from a corner four, but his header flew just wide of the post.

Both sides looked to finally be cooling down mid-way through the second-half as they took off their respective strikers, Parkes and Kelly.

However, Sligo’s substitutes worked to regenerate the visitors with both Byrne and Cawley coming off the bench to find the scoresheet.

With 15 minutes to go, Greg Bolger, the Bit O’ Reds veteran captain, sent a looping ball towards the back of the box which Byrne obligingly controlled and calmly lifted over Talbot into the Bohs net.

Long’s troops pushed forward for an equaliser but their hopes were dashed on the 87th minute when, on the edge of the box, Cawley smashed a wonderful strike into the roof of Talbot’s net.

Bohemians: James Talbot; Rory Feely, Robert Cornwall, Ciaran Kelly, Anthony Breslin; Liam Burt, Conor Levingston (Ali Coote, 80), Jack Moylan Ross Tierney (Keith Ward, 80); Dawson Devoy; Georgie Kelly (Promise Omochere, 72).

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan (Lewis Banks, 86) John Mahon, Garry Buckley; Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger; Romeo Parkes (David Cawley, 73), Walter Figueira (Mark Byrne, 59), Jordan Gibson; Johnny Kenny.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

Sligo Rovers can today confirm that The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) will be our charity partner for the 2021 season.

The Aughamore Day Care Centre will be particularly supported.

Each year the Bit O’ Red partner with one charity or cause and provide support in terms of fundraising and awareness to assist their work.

This year The ASI has been chosen by Sligo Rovers, with all funds raised during the partnership being ring-fenced for dementia-specific supports and services in Sligo.

Earlier this year it was confirmed that former Sligo Rovers manager Billy Sinclair, who led the club to the 1977 league title, has been diagnosed with dementia.

This year’s choice has been made with Billy in our thoughts.

The ASI provides supports and services in the Sligo area including Dementia Adviser, Home Care and Day Care at Home and also the Aughamore Day Care Centre, which provides dementia-specific, person-centred care to meet the needs of the person with dementia in a warm, welcoming and safe environment while providing support and stimulation.

They work with each person to ensure they feel comfortable and supported and their individual needs are meet as far as possible.

They also offer a wide range of activities including reminiscence therapy, music sessions, gentle exercises, arts and crafts and personal care.

This year, Sligo Rovers will commit to a number of initiatives to support The ASI’s Sligo supports and services.

Sligo Rovers chief executive Colin Feehily said: “We’re delighted to assist Aughamore Day Care Centre this year in any way we can.   

“The news of Billy Sinclair’s diagnosis weighed on all of us at Sligo Rovers. The club spoke with Billy’s family and committed our support and best wishes.

“Going forward the management committee and I opted to support Aughamore Day Care Centre as part of Billy’s incredible legacy at the club. We want to give a local facility a helping hand.

“Many of those who avail of the service in Aughamore are Rovers fans.

“We will develop our relationships with Aughamore Day Care Centre and The Alzheimer Society Of Ireland and shortly announce the projects we will do together.” 

Our 500 Club monthly draw took place recently, with March’s winners announced by The 500 Club Committee.

The winner of the top prize of €500 was Thomas Basquille

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important fundraisers since it was founded in 2003.

Over 500 members contribute €20 per month which can be paid via standing order or an up front annual payment.

To join, click here: https://www.sligorovers.com/500-club/

500 Club March winners

€500 Thomas Basquille – Highfield Road, Sligo

€100 Brian McDonagh – Strandhill Road, Sligo

€100 Seamus McGowan – Mullingar, Co Westmeath

€100 Ruairi Rynn – Dublin

€100 Chris Benson – Devins Drive, Sligo

€100 Brian Drury – Calry, Sligo

€50 John McDwyer – Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim

€50 Kieran O’Dowd – Gurteen, Sligo

€50 Daniel Kelly – Beechwood Heath, Dublin 15

€50 Brendan Crowne – Oakfield, Sligo 

Sligo Rovers face Bohemians on Tuesday night in the SSE Airtricity League at Dalymount Park.

Kick-off is 7.45pm and live on WATCHLOI.

Rovers earned their third win and second clean sheet of the season with a 1-0 success over Finn Harps last Saturday.

Bohs have edged some of the recent meetings between the teams. Rovers won in Dalymount two years ago when Romeo Parkes bagged a brace, while last season the Bit O’ Red were unfortunate to go down to a 2-0 defeat at the venue.

The team which started the match in Dublin last 14 months has just four survivors at the club now, indicating the change in the Rovers squad since that time.

In team news, Danny Kane and Shane Blaney miss out due to injury.

Liam Buckley said: “It was a fantastic three points against Finn Harps because of how they have done so far this year. Obviously not a lot of time has passed since Saturday so the time in between has been about recovery and preparation.

“We’ve been in to do that in the last 48 hours and be as ready as we can be for this game.

“We’ve had some entertaining matches with Bohs in recent times and close games as well. I think it’s a difficult game for both sides and we’re looking forward to it. Both of us have had transition periods at the start of this season.

“Winning helps confidence of course, but we’re very much aware that we’re five games into the season. It’s just a start and something we want to build on.

“We did well in the second half on Saturday and created chances in the second half which was pleasing.

“I do think we can get better and win more matches. We know what it takes but it certainly won’t come easy here.”

Here at Sligo Rovers supporters own our club and are governed by over 600 members.

As football becomes more and more removed from such ideals, you can become a part-owner of our club.

The Sligo Rovers 500 Club is the lifeblood of the club providing provision for membership, raising hundreds of thousands for the club and an entry into a lucrative draw for supporters.

Founded in 2003, the 500 club continues to be one of our most solid fundraising project and is the modern-day membership scheme of Sligo Rovers.

It was formerly known as the 400 club, but having surpassed that total a number of years ago, it became the 500 club.

There is a target of 550 to grow membership further and contribute to the club.

For €20 a month or €240 a year, it is an ideal way to make a contribution to the club and play your part in making Sligo Rovers a success on and off the pitch.

In 2021 the total raised since the inception of the 500 club for Sligo Rovers will pass €1.6m.

After three years of membership of the 500 Club, you become a member of the Sligo Rovers.

Every 500 club member is entered into a monthly draw where first prize is €500 and there are five runner-up prizes of €100 each and four prizes of €50.

This makes a total of €14,400 paid out each year.

How to Join:

If you are interested in becoming a 500 Club member please email shane@sligorovers.com with your name and contact details. If you wish to join you can make payment in a number of ways.

Online:

It is now available to join via Paypal.

You can sign up for monthly payments of €20 for 12 months or in a one off payment of €240.

Users can pay by credit/ debit card or by logging into their PayPal account. This is an ideal method of payment for exiled fans abroad. However there is a small additional charge in respect of PayPal’s processing fee.

To pay monthly, click here

To pay yearly, click here

Through Your Bank:

You can also make payment in a one off bank transfer or alternatively by monthly direct debit mandate of €20. Further details are available upon request by e-mailing shane@sligorovers.com

This is an ideal opportunity for our supporters to get behind the Bit o’ Red.

Sligo Rovers is an institution in Sligo and in the North West of Ireland and as a club we are always grateful for your support.

Teenager Johnny Kenny grabbed an opportunistic winner as Sligo Rovers claimed bragging rights in the north west, with a narrow win over neighbours Finn Harps at the Showgrounds.

17-year-old Kenny made the most of a second half mistake from Harps goalkeeper Mark McGinley to end the Donegal men’s unbeaten start to the season.

This was the first time since the back end of the 1995/96 season that both sides had met while occupying positions in the top four of the Premier Division.

But neither side dominated the opening half of this derby encounter.

Sligo winger Jordan Gibson fired over from long range early on, while the same man had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down 21 minutes in when he fell to the floor under the challenge of Dave Webster.

The Finn Valley men have surprised many with their impressive start to 2021, but it took them almost a half hour to test Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty.

Mark Russell’s sharp turn brought him past Sligo defender John Mahon, but Russell’s effort from the angle was plucked from the air by McGinty.

Rovers attacker Romeo Parkes netted against Harps in his first season of League of Ireland football two years ago.

But Harps’ net minder McGinley was determined not to allow the Jamaican an opener in this tie, reacting superbly to tip Parkes’ attempted chip over his crossbar eight minutes from the break after the Sligo striker had trapped Mahon’s long ball from the back.

Parkes was involved once more shortly after the re-start. Unmarked, he struggled to properly judge the flight of Gibson’s driven cross from the right, as the attacker headed over McGinley’s crossbar.

Harps then gifted their opponents the lead on 51.

McGinley the guilty party as he failed to deal with a ball straight to his feet. Half-time substitute Kenny was rewarded for his endeavour as he chased the case, robbed McGinley and rolled the ball into an empty net for his first senior goal for the Showgrounds side.

Kenny was involved again on 63 when he flashed an effort across the face of the Harps goal after Gibson had charged his way past a series of defenders.

While Walter Figueira and Robbie McCourt kept McGinley busy with shots from the left side as Rovers enjoyed a period of sustained pressure.

Gibson was inches away from settling the tie eight minutes from time but his vicious drive from the edge of the area cannoned over the target.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, John Mahon, Garry Buckley; Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger; Romeo Parkes (David Cawley 78), Walter Figueira, Jordan Gibson; Ryan De Vries (Johnny Kenny HT).

Finn Harps: Mark McGinley; Shane McEleney, Kosavar Sadiki, David Webster; Ethan Boyle (Stephen Doherty 70), Mark Russell (Ryan Shanley 70); Will Seymore (Sean Boyd 84), Mark Coyle; Karl O’Sullivan (Stephen Folan 84), Adam Foley (Tunde Owolabi 55), Barry McNamee.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

Sligo Rovers host neighbours Finn Harps on Saturday evening in The Showgrounds as the sides occupying fourth and second place in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division meet.

The game is a 6pm kick-off and live on WATCHLOI.

It has been an unbeaten start for both clubs. Rovers have had two draws at home, against Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers, as well as wins in Longford and Waterford.

The sides met in two games last season. Harps edged out a 1-0 victory in Ballybofey, while the return fixture in September saw a 3-1 win for Rovers.

In team news, Danny Kane will miss out due to injury. Shane Blaney is doubtful and will be checked pre-game.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “It was a good performance last week and a good result in the context we were playing the league champions. That said, I do feel we can improve in some areas. We would like to get more chances and you will get more as you move up the levels of performance. That’s what we’re seeking. Offensively there is more in us. This is an important game for us and it’s a difficult one as well.

“If you don’t bring an intensity to each game and match the opposition in that, you’re going to be in a spot of bother in this league. Every game will bring that challenge. This is going to be a difficult match for us. I’m not surprised by how Finn Harps have started and I don’t think many are surprised either. They’ve got top players in their squad.

“Kosovar Sadiki was brought over from Scotland, Dave Webster’s gone there from Pat’s, Barry McNamee from Derry, Shane McEleney from Larne and Will Seymore from ourselves. They’re all very good players to name just a few so it’s not a surprise that they’ve pushed on and been unbeaten so far.

“While we were relatively happy with what we showed last week, there is more in us and we’re trying to improve with each game. We’ve made a reasonable start to the season and we want to build on it and get more wins if we can.”

Sligo Rovers will return with one last Bingo night on Wednesday April 21st at 8pm.

There is €2,000 in prizemoney to be won, which will be spread across an 8 page book.

Single books are priced at €12 and Double books are priced at €20.

The bingo session will take place via zoom.

There is a guaranteed prize of €500 to be won on the Full House on game 8.

All support is greatly appreciated.

Buy your books here.

There was goals at either end late on as Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw at the Showgrounds.

Hoops goalkeeper Alan Mannus allowed a speculative drive from Walter Figueira slip between his hands for what looked like a Bit O’Red winner with eight minutes to go.

But Sligo were to be denied what would have been a third win in four when luckless defender John Mahon turned the ball into his own net in added time.

Sligo came into this tie ahead of their opponents in the league table for the first time since they themselves were reigning champions in 2013.

But it was the current title holders who threatened first when Graham Burke had Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty at full stretch to push the striker’s effort wide, after Burke hand linked up with Dylan Watts and Ronan Finn.

Despite an evenly contested opening half, it did take the hosts 24 minutes to make any real ground in front of the Hoops goal.

Figueira had the ball in Mannus’ net after a well worked short corner routine saw the ball land at the feet of ex-Hoops and Sligo skipper Greg Bolger.

Bolger’s rasping drive was kept out by the Northern Ireland international before Figueira tapped home, but the referee’s assistant on the Jinks’ Avenue side adjudged the former Derry playmaker to have been offside in the build-up.

Liam Buckley’s charges matched their opponents stride for stride for the remainder of the half.

McGinty held Lee Grace’s header from a Finn corner ten minutes from the break. While Robbie McCourt’s set piece from the angle wasn’t too far off after the speedy Jordan Gibson had been upended at the perimeter of the penalty area.

Both camps were seeking to end either’s unbeaten start to 2021 and it was the Connaught men who began this second period the brighter.

Figueira could only stab Colm Horgan’s cross past Mannus’ back post after stellar interplay between both Horgan and Gibson on the Sligo right.

Sean Hoare was forced to atone for his own error on 65 when he recovered well to take the ball off substitute Ryan De Vries’ toe at the front stick. This, after the centre half had conceded possession to Gibson who supplied the cross towards the waiting New Zealander.

Hoops boss Stephen Bradley introduced Rory Gaffney in place of Burke in an effort to introduce fresh impetus to his attack.   

But the Dubliners’ woes were at the other end as Sligo nudged ahead with eight to go.

With nothing on in front of him, Figueira decided to hit what was a chance effort from distance which somehow squirmed its way between Mannus’ hands and beyond the dismayed goalkeeper.

As expected, the Tallaght side threw everything at it for the remainder.

A Lee Grace header from a corner was repelled by the Sligo defence, before disaster then struck at the Sligo end when Mahon turned Gaffney’s cross past McGinty.

The champions spurned a wonderful chance to take all the points in added time, but Chris McCann misjudged the flight of the ball whilst unmarked in front of goal. His header dragging harmlessly wide.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, John Mahon, Garry Buckley, Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger; Romeo Parkes, Walter Figueira, Jordan Gibson; Johnny Kenny (Ryan De Vries ht).

Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus; Sean Hoare, Lee Grace, Liam Scales; Ronan Finn (Sean Gannon 78), Sean Kavanagh; Chris McCann, Dylan Watts; Graham Burke (Rory Gaffney 78), Aaron Greene, Danny Mandriou.

Referee: Derek Tomney.