Sligo Rovers played out a 1-1 draw with Drogheda United at Head In The Game Park.

United took an early lead through Chris Lyons but teenager Johnny Kenny levelled before the break.

Injuries to David Cawley and Niall Morahan meant changes for Rovers. Shane Blaney came in for a debut. Walter Figueira returned while Lewis Banks made his first start of the season

The opening goal came against the run of play, but with Sligo looking blunt in the final third, Drogheda punished an Edward McGinty error. The goalkeeper left his goal to collect Ronan Murray’s free but couldn’t grasp it.

Daniel O’Reilly headed the ball to an unmarked Chris Lyons in the six-yard box. His header evaded two defenders on the line.

The visitors’ only two chances of any note in the first 30 minutes of the contest were speculative long-range efforts that were hit straight by Drogheda goalkeeper Colin McCabe. Johnny Kenny and Jordan Gibson were the players who had to produce better.

An equaliser, fully deserved as it was, arrived before the break. United, perhaps expecting referee Rob Harvey to blow for a foul on Lyons, allowed Figueira to surge forward and shoot from 25 yards. His low effort was on target but saved by McCabe.

He couldn’t hold onto the ball however and as it squirmed from his grasp, Johnny Kenny closed in and rounded the goalkeeper before tapping in.

Romeo Parkes and Banks set their sights from range either side of the break as, although Sligo continued to dominate possession, penalty area action remained at a premium.

The introduction of midfielder Luke Heeney for the ineffectual Doyle helped Drogheda in their bid to see more of the ball and they greatly improved as the second half progressed.

Sligo were unable to fashion many more chances. Jordan Gibson stung the palms of McCabe but it was comfortable enough. The most presentable opportunities fell to Drogheda’s 19-year-old Killian Phillips.

James Brown’s pull back from the byline evaded everyone in the area but with time and space at the back post, Phillips’ finish lacked composure and cleared the crossbar. He was again well positioned late on but his well-struck shot was the wrong side of the post and then the busy youngster had a shot blocked by John Mahon.

Greg Bolger’s late free kick was on target but held by McCabe.

Drogheda United: Colin McCabe; Killian Phillips, Daniel O’Reilly, Dane Massey, James Brown, Gary Deegan, Ryan O’Shea; Darragh Markey, Ronan Murray (James Clarke, 73), Mark Doyle (Luke Heeney, 53); Chris Lyons.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty, Lewis Banks, Garry Buckley, John Mahon, Robbie McCourt; Greg Bolger, Shane Blaney; Jordan Gibson, Walter Figueria; Johnny Kenny, Romeo Parkes (Ryan De Vries, 80).

Referee: Rob Harvey (Dublin)

Sligo Rovers face Drogheda United on Friday evening in our final away match of the first series of games in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

The teams last met in 2017 when Rovers avoid relegation in a season where three teams went down, including the Boynesiders.

United have firmly established themselves in the top flight with two wins and draws from their seven games so far, as well as unfortunate defeat to champions Shamrock Rovers.

Rovers suffered a first defeat of the season last week to Derry, 1-0, and also the first time we have failed to score this season.

But the Bit O’ Red have been in fine form in 2021, particularly winning three on the bounce away from home.

In team news, Danny Kane remains out. David Cawley will have a late fitness test.

Liam Buckley said: “It was a disappointing game overall last week. There was nothing in it, with very little created from either side. A penalty won in it and we’re looking forward to moving on from that and trying to get a better performance. I’ve no doubt there will be some hurting from losing that game.

“It is important to move on and try to respond. Teams will lose games in this league, it is the nature. I know Shamrock Rovers are on a long unbeaten run but you can be sure results will go all sorts of ways over the course of the season. We have the ability in the group here to win games.

“Drogheda have had a fantastic opening to the year. We know about their shape, how they play and all of that. We need to be a lot better than last week, we’re under no illusions on what is needed here.

“It is a busy time with three games in a week again but we’re just looking forward to the opportunity to move on from that week and give a good account of ourselves.”

Ruaidhri Higgins got his tenure as Derry City manager underway in ideal fashion as the Candystripes picked up their first win of the SSE Airtricity League season by beating Sligo Rovers 1-0 at the Showgrounds.

In a scrappy game, it was Will Patching’s spot-kick early in the second half which decided the game, Rovers’ first defeat of the year.

Both sides made just one change each from their respective previous games.

Rovers club captain David Cawley was named in a Sligo starting line up for the first time this season, replacing Walter Figueira who picked up a knock during Tuesday’s win over Bohemians.

While Higgins made just one change from City’s draw with champions Dundalk, Will Patching taking the place of Danny Lafferty.

In what was an opening half with little to get excited about, it took all of 28 minutes for the tie to produce a moment of note.

Derry’s James Akintunde linking up with Patching who fired over from 25 yards.

17-year-old Sligo striker Johnny Kenny, understood to be attracting the attention of Premier League club Brighton, was involved shortly after.

The teenager jinked his way past a City challenge on the end line, but his squared ball was dealt with by Nathan Gartside in the Derry nets before anyone could arrive to finish.

Liam Buckley’s charges struggled to create much against a robust Derry defence.

Kenny, Jordan Gibson, Greg Bolger and Romeo Parkes required some slick passes to find a way to the Derry penalty area five minutes from the break.

But what looked like a potential opening was quickly closed out as Parkes was eventually crowded out by an eager Derry defence.

Gibson’s steered an effort wide of goal before half-time, while the game had its first real talking point just five minutes into the second period.

Sligo centre-half John Mahon’s clumsy challenge on David Parkhouse just yards from goal, was punished by referee John McLoughlin who had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Patching coolly dispatching the penalty, registering the first goal under the new City regime.

Rovers, who hadn’t lost to their opponents since 2019 prior to this game, continued to struggle to create much against a stubborn Derry rearguard.

Gartside had to keep an eye on Regan Donelon’s over-hit cross which caught the breeze and narrowly sailed wide of the Derry goal.

The Connacht side introduced a number of attackers from the bench but were repelled again and again by Derry who hung on to pick up their first victory of the year.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, John Mahon, Garry Buckley, Robbie McCourt (Regan Donelon HT); Greg Bolger, Niall Morahan (Lewis Banks 69), David Cawley; Jordan Gibson (Darren Collins 81), Romeo Parkes (Mark Byrne 69); Johnny Kenny (Ryan De Vries 80).

Derry City: Nathan Gartside; Ronan Boyce, Eoin Toal, Cameron McJannet, Ciaran Coll (Danny Lafferty 72); Jack Malone (Joe Thomson 52), Ciaron Harkin; Will Fitzgerald, Will Patching, James Akintunde; David Parkhouse (Brendan Barr 80).

Referee: John McLoughlin.

Sligo Rovers host Derry City on Saturday in The Showgrounds. The game is a 6pm kick-off and live on WATCHLOI.

The teams have had differing starts this year. Rovers remain unbeaten after six games, while Derry are waiting for their first win but recorded two draws in recent games. 

The teams met three times last season. Rovers secured 2-0 and 1-0 victories, while also progressing on penalties in the FAI Cup quarter-final. All three games took place in the second part of the 2020 season.

Derry have appointed Ruaidhri Higgins as their new manager in news from the Candystripes ahead of the game. 

In team news, Danny Kane is out and Shane Blaney is doubtful due to injury. Walter Figueira is available after recovering from a knock in Dalymount 
 

Liam Buckley said: We worked extremely hard on Tuesday. There wasn’t a lot in the game and we were happy with scoring three goals. We’ve been preparing well, recovering on Wednesday and then looking at this game. Our focus has been on being ready and prepared to be at it from the start on Saturday so we’ll try to do that and see if we can get the result.”

Speaking about the change in manager at Derry, Buckley added: “It doesn’t change a lot for us. It is our performance that will have the biggest say from our end. 

“We’re quite clear on Derry being a good side with good players, the draw with Dundalk last Monday illustrated that and I think they’ve been unlucky this season. 

“It’s going to be as hard-fought as every other game we’ve played so far this season. Nothing comes easy, that is how the league is. We’re looking forward to it.”

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.

Football can belong to a community to give a sense of belonging and worth that no money can buy

Over 45% of our budget comes from extra funds generated by fans because it matters most

Support your local team to make the game better pic.twitter.com/Mpi6TEKoV1 #europeansuperleague

— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) April 18, 2021

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.