Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that the club has reached a deal with goalkeeper Sam Sargeant, extending his current contract at the club to the end of the 2026 season. 

The 27-year-old shot-stopper has been one of the Bit O’Red’s stand-out performers in recent months and Rovers have moved quickly to secure the Greenwich native’s services for another 12 months. 

Sargeant joined Rovers in January last, following a successful spell at fellow Premier Division side Waterford. 

He has played 21 times for the club to date and was recently rewarded for some stand out performances between the sticks when he picked up the Wehrly Brothers Men’s Player of the Month award for June. 

Sam has played an integral part in Rovers’ recent form, keeping two clean sheets in our last five games. 

News of Sargeant’s contract extension follows on from a successful appeal on Sligo Rovers’ behalf earlier this week, in relation to a red card picked up by the former Leyton Orient player against Shels last Saturday. 

An independent appeals committee over-turned referee Rob Harvey’s decision to dismiss Sargeant and therefore he will be available for Rovers’ next game which is this Sunday, against St Pat’s in Dublin. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Sargeant says he is thrilled to put pen to paper, crediting the coaching staff as a big influence in his decision to extend his current contract. 

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Rovers so much and having spoken to Richard Brush and the gaffer about their plans for the rest of the season and beyond, it was a simple decision.

“Brushy is a big part of my decision to stay, I love working with him every day. I’ve loved working with the manager, Brushy and Ryan Casey but not just the coaching staff, but the team as a whole. 

“I feel I’ve developed playing here and am looking forward to developing more over the next 18 months or so.”

By his own admission, Sam went through a patchy start to life at the Showgrounds. 

The current season started with defeats to Waterford, Drogheda and St Pat’s after which the imposing net-minder was dropped in favour of Conor Walsh. Sargeant spent the next six games on the bench, returning in Rovers’ first away win of the season, a four goal trouncing of Waterford at the RSC in April. 

He has been a vital mainstay ever-since and proven to be a pivotal part of Rovers’ post-summer break return to form, only missing out on those few minutes after he was sent-off against Shels. 

“It was mixed early on, to be honest”, he continues. 

“On a personal level, I feel I didn’t start the season as well as I could have but I feel as if I’m in a good place now. 

“Being taken out of the team made me realise I needed to do more and that’s what I did. I pushed myself and proved I was able to get back to the levels I previously was at. 

“It’s important to have competition for every position, it drives everyone. Conor is a great young goalkeeper and he’s a great lad off the pitch. We have a great relationship and drive each other.”

With ten league games to go, Rovers are still pushing to collect as many league points as possible in our mission to catch the likes of Galway, Waterford and St Pat’s. While the Bit O’Red are also still very much in the mix when it comes to the FAI Cup. 

“As a team, we had a slow start and found ourselves at the rear end of the table”, Sargeant says. 

“But we have proven since the break that we’re a very good team that can beat anyone. We now have to look to finish the season as strong as we can and build then for next year. We would love a cup run and that’s the aim. But we need to keep working hard, keep adding the points to the table and work our way up as high as we can go. 

“You can see we’ve gelled more as a team as the year has gone on. It has taken a while, but we are getting better and better as time has gone on. The window has been good for us as well, the likes of Paddy McClean, James McManus and Ryan O’Kane have added to the competition and that strengthens us.”  

Welcoming the news that his number one has agreed to a new deal, First Team Manager John Russell says he is delighted to tie down Sargeant’s services for another season.  

“Sam is a top-class goalkeeper who fits in perfectly with the way we play here at Rovers and he’s proved that over the last few months”, Russell says. 

“He is an excellent communicator, his passing range is exceptional and he has that great ability to make big saves when called upon. 

“He’s become an essential part of what we’ve built here so far and over the course of this season, he’s become a real leader. Even at 27, he’s one of the older heads in the group and he has been a big voice and big influencer in the dressing room and I only see that influence growing over time. The extension of his current deal is really great news for us, going forward.”

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will host bottom-of-the-table Cork City in what is likely to produce an intense Women’s Premier Division (WPD) encounter at the Showgrounds on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Maximum points will be the target for both teams, and eight previous WPD meetings have produced 26 goals, with the Bit O’Red winning on four occasions with only one draw, and that produced six goals.

The Bit O’Red leapfrogged Cork last Saturday with a first away win of the season, while the Munster side lost at Turner’s Cross against a title-chasing Shelbourne side that moved to the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Athlone Town.

Understandably, the main focus for the remainder of the season will be on the battle for the 2025 WPD title, but the contest at the foot of the table will be even more intense for the bottom four with just eight games remaining for the quartet of Sligo Rovers, Cork City, Waterford and DLR Waves.

Those four teams are separated by only three points, and the remaining results between them could determine the finishing positions at the foot of the table.

The Sligo Rovers players will take lots of positives into Saturday’s game following that 2-0 first away win of the season last weekend against a Waterford side that finished with 10 players following a first-half red card, with goals from Emma Hansberry and Alana Doherty.

Leading at the interval through Emma Hansberry, Sligo Rovers were reasonably comfortable in the second half. Substitutes Paula McGrory and Bernie Ferreira both made solid contributions, and Alana Doherty added the crucial second goal with about 25 minutes remaining.

The Wehrly Bros player-of-the-month for July, Kya McKenna, could have added a third goal near the end, but the Waterford ‘keeper blocked her effort; however, she will be eager to find the net this weekend if she gets the chance.

Scoring has been a challenge for the Bit O’Red until recent weeks, but they got two goals against Galway for a 2-0 advantage only to concede in the second half at Eamon Deacy Park, but two more goals last Saturday.

The tally now stands at 12 goals in all competitions this season, with six goals in the last four outings and also four clean sheets.

Players returning from injury gave manager Steve Feeney extra options, and that was evident last Saturday as Rachel McGoldrick and Leah Kelly made the starting 11.

McGoldrick returned for the first time since she sustained an injury at the end of April, and Leah Kelly had missed the previous two outings but was influential on her return. Katie Melly was also on the injured list earlier in the season but has now slotted effectively into a more defensive role.

However, Cork City will take plenty of positives from last Saturday’s performance against Shelbourne, where they were certainly worthy of taking at least a point but ended up on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline.

Áine Walsh was denied by the post, while Amy McCarthy, Eva Mangan and Ellie O’Brien all had chances against Shelbourne, but the ball just wouldn’t go into the net. The Dublin side scored midway through the first half but had to wait until the 88th minute for a second goal that came from the penalty spot.

Despite a sequence of 13 games without a win, the Cork City players have produced some encouraging performances and enjoyed a 4-0 victory against the Bit O’red at Turner’s Cross last March.

On that occasion, two goals in each half gave Cork City an opening win of the season at the expense of a Sligo Rovers side that also missed a 94th-minute penalty.

Two goals from Christina Dring and one each by Aoibhin Donnelly and Ciara Fitzpatrick sealed the win.

Despite that scoreline, the Bit O’Red created numerous opportunities, but it was one of those days when nothing went right. Paula McGrory had a chance on 36 minutes, but her effort on the turn went wide, while Rachel McGoldrick and Muireann Devaney both went close.

Katie Melly was denied in the 75th minute when her free kick from 30 yards thundered off the Cork City crossbar, while Alana Doherty and Keeva Flynn also had chances.

End-to-end action is anticipated with the game live on LOITV, kick-off at 3pm.

Sligo Rovers FC acknowledges the decision of the Independent Appeal Committee of the FAI to uphold the club’s appeal against the red card issued to goalkeeper Sam Sargeant during last Friday’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture against Shelbourne FC.

Sargeant was dismissed in the second half after being adjudged by referee Rob Harvey to have handled the ball outside his penalty area and denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

The club welcomes the Appeal Committee’s decision and confirms that Sam Sargeant will be available for selection for our next SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture against St Patrick’s Athletic FC on Sunday 10 August.

Ali Coote and Sean Boyd were the goalscorers as Joey O’Brien’s side moved to within three points of Drogheda United in fourth.

A bad night for Rovers was made worse with six minutes to go when goalkeeper Sam Sargeant was sent off as he was judged to have handled the ball outside the box by referee Rob Harvey, although replays suggest it may have been on the line.

Unbeaten in their last five league games, the Bit O’Red were one of the league’s form sides coming into this tie.

A win against the 2024 Premier Division champions would have brought Russell’s men level on points with Galway United who were beaten on Friday by the league’s bottom side Cork City.

Russell lost both Jake Doyle-Hayes and Francely Lomboto this week, with both players departing the club, while Ciaron Harkin joined from Derry City and was named on the bench for this game.

Shels, who had a gruelling trip home from Kazakhstan mid-week where they were in European action, named Milan Mbeng in the starting 11 after the French man signed from Cork City.

Cian Kavanagh’s miss on ten minutes was the talking point in an otherwise uneventful first-half, with neither side bringing the entertainment that may have been expected.

The former St Patrick’s Athletic striker just needed a slight touch to divert the ball past Speel in the Shels goals after Will Fitzgerald’s free-kick was knocked on in the direction of Kavanagh in front of goal.

That was as close as either side would come to opening the scoring in the first-half, but Shels found the net two minutes into the second-half.

Coote gained possession in the middle and pushed his way past a couple of Rovers players before driving the ball into the top corner of Sam Sargeant’s goal

Paddy McClean almost had Rovers back on level terms but the Derry man couldn’t keep his header down from Owen Elding’s cross as Rovers battled hard to find an equaliser.

As the home side failed to clear the ball from their defence, John Martin picked out the free Boyd in front of goal, and all he needed to do was poke it in past Sargeant for 2-0.

There was further controversy, though, as the home side were reduced to ten when referee Rob Harvey gave Sargeant a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box, but replays show that Sargeant looked to be on the line as he handled the ball.

That result leaves Rovers in ninth place, three points off Galway in eighth, while Shels are just three points off Drogheda United who occupy fourth spot.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant, Conor Reynolds (Wilson Waweru, 67), Paddy McClean, Ollie Denham, Kyle McDonagh (John Mahon, 67), James McManus, Seb Quirk, Jad Hakiki, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh (Conor Walsh, 85), Will Fitzgerald

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel, Milan Mbeng (Sean Gannon, 68), Lewis Temple, Paddy Barrett, Kameron Ledwidge, Kerr McInroy, JJ Lunney, James Norris (Sean Moore, 82), Ali Coote (John Martin, 68), Harry Wood (Ellis Chapman, 82), Mipo Odubeko (Sean Boyd, 59)

Referee: Rob Harvey

Attendance: 3,167

Report courtasy of RTÉ

By Conall Collier

First goals of the season from Emma Hansberry and Alana Doherty gave Sligo Rovers a first Women’s Premier Division (WPD) away win of the season against Waterford on a first visit to the RSC.

There was also another first in the closing stages when ‘keeper Bonnie McKiernan was penalised by referee David Dunne, who awarded Waterford a corner as he deemed the Bit O’Red netminder didn’t release the ball within the eight seconds time allocated. It seemed like a harsh decision, as a Waterford player was blocking. McKiernan was at the edge of the penalty area and raised her foot as the keeper attempted to kick the ball.

That incident aside, this was a solid performance from Steve Feeney’s side as Rachel McGoldrick returned to the starting 11 for the first time since she sustained an injury against Bohemian FC in the All-Island Cup at the end of April. Leah Kelly also made the starting lineup after missing the last two outings due to an injury she sustained in the WFAI Cup against DLR Waves.

The opening exchanges were tight, with the Sligo Rovers defence curtailing Fiana Bradley on her first home start for the hosts, and Waterford went close through Jessica Lawler midway through the opening half. However, it got tougher for the Munster women as they were reduced to 10 players in the 29th minute when the referee issued a red card to Stephenie Dumevi after she impeded Muireann Devaney, who was through on goal.

That forced Waterford boss Gary Hunt into a change and Danielle Griffin replaced Olivia Shannon, but soon after, the Bit O’Red capitalised and hit the front when Emma Hansberry fired her side into the lead with a good finish.

Waterford still threatened on the counter and had a couple of opportunities before the interval, and Bonnie McKiernan produced a smart save on the stroke of halftime when she fingertipped a well-struck Bradley effort to safety at the expense of a corner.

Sligo Rovers were reasonably comfortable in the second half with substitutes Paula McGrory and Bernie Ferreira making a solid contribution, and Alana Doherty adding a crucial second goal in the 64th minute. Emma Hansberry’s free wasn’t dealt with by the Waterford defence, and Doherty applied the finishing touch to ease the Bit O’Red into the comfort zone.

Waterford kept pushing forward, but Sligo Rovers could have had a third goal two minutes from time when substitute Kya McKenna raced clear, but Waterford’s Maeve Williams was equal to the task and averted the danger.

Waterford – Maeve Williams, Jessica Lawler, Lauren Walsh, Danielle Burke, Chloe Atkinson, Fiana Bradley, Sophie Slattery, Olivia Shannon, Erin O’Brien, Stephanie Dumevi, I. Walsh.
Subs – Danielle Griffin for Shannon (29 mins), Orla Hickey for O’Brien (halftime), C. Kearney for Atkinson (85 mins).

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan, Alice Lillie, Leah Kelly, Annie McKinley, Alana Doherty, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre, Anna McDaniel.
Subs – Paula McGrory for McGoldrick and Bernie Ferreira for McIntyre (58 mins), Kya McKenna for McDaniel and Cara King for Lillie (76 mins), Lauren Devaney for McKinley (80 mins).

Referee – David Dunne
Assistant referees – Chris Campbell, David Connolly
Fourth official – Kevin O’Sullivan

New signing Ciaron Harkin is in line for his Sligo Rovers debut as Shelbourne are the visitors to the Showgrounds, this Saturday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Midfielder Harkin joined Rovers this week and is manager John Russell’s sixth new addition of the window.

In team news, Rovers are without Ryan O’Kane who is ineligible due to the terms of his loan from Saturday’s opponents.

Ronan Manning faces a late fitness test.

Both Francely Lomboto and Jake Doyle-Hayes have left the club.

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of the weekend’s clash, Russell says the dressing room is focused on picking up a fourth win on the spin following on from recent victories over Derry City Dundalk and most recently, Cork City last Friday night.

“We’ve had a bit of movement within the squad with both Jake and Francely moving on but that’s happened here before and we move on also.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how Ciaron settles in and we’ve no doubt he’ll be a big player for us.

“It’s going to be a tough game for us against Shels. We’re playing the current champions and that always means a big test but we’re all looking forward to another game in front of our fans.”

Shels were knocked out of the Champions League qualifying stages by Qarabag this week, travelling back from Azerbaijan mid-week. Russell feels Rovers will face an injured animal in the shape of the Dubliners.

“They had a tough two games against Qarabag, but I’m sure they learned loads. Yes, they had to travel but they have a big squad that’s more than capable of dealing with the rotation required.

“They’ll look to come here and get back on track but again, we’re in good form and we have our eyes on a good result here on Saturday.

“We were nowhere near our standards in the first half against Cork last week. Second half, we woke up and applied ourselves really well. We’re looking for those high levels again against Shels.”

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers return to action on Saturday with a trip to the RSC in Waterford for the first time in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD), with the focus firmly on reversing the result at the Showgrounds last March.

On that occasion two Olivia Shannon goals paved the way for what was a historic first win for Waterford in their debut season in front of the TG4 cameras at the Showgrounds for the newest team in the WPD.

The current challenge facing Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney is reflected in the fact that of the 16 players that featured against Waterford last March, between the starting 11 and five second-half substitutes, seven are currently on the doubtful list due to injuries.

Injuries have been the standout statistic for the Bit O’Red this season, and the dressing room could sometimes be mistaken for something resembling a casualty department, with defender Keeva Flynn the latest addition to that list after she was stretchered off in the last outing against Wexford a fortnight ago.

However, recent signings Annie McKinley, with two goals to her credit in two outings, and Bernie Ferreira have made solid contributions, and this week another recruit, Laura McGuinn, will be in contention to make her debut for the Bit O’Red.

“I’m really looking forward to playing; all the girls have been so welcoming,” commented Laura.

“I’ve supported the club my whole life, helping with mascots on match days, coaching at summer camps, and now coaching the under-17 girls.

“It has always been a dream of mine to wear the Rovers jersey,” she added.

From Steve Feeney’s perspective, the trip to Waterford will give his players an opportunity to deliver a positive performance and pick up three points that will close the gap on the Munster women, who are four points ahead of the Bit O’Red at the moment.

There isn’t much to separate the teams in terms of statistics, with Waterford conceding 34 goals in the WPD compared to 32 for the Bit O’Red.

Waterford has one clean sheet, achieved against Sligo Rovers, while the Bit O’Red has three to their credit—Bohemian FC, Shamrock Rovers, and Peamount Utd.

Waterford played last Tuesday night in a rearranged game at Tallaght Stadium, where hosts Shamrock Rovers won by 7-1, and the Munster side will complete a hectic schedule of three games in eight days when they host Bohemian FC at the RSC next Tuesday night.

Prior to last Tuesday night’s defeat, the Waterford women lost by the only goal of the game against Bohemian FC at Dalymount Park, and they recorded an impressive 3-1 victory against Cork City in their last home game at the beginning of July with goals from Chloe Atkinson, Mia Lenihan, and Lauren Walsh.

Both sides will be eager to deliver a winning performance, and a tight and competitive encounter is anticipated.

Waterford v Sligo Rovers will be live on LOITV with a 3pm kick-off at the RSC on Saturday.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), in partnership with Sligo Rovers, are launching a new Football & Education Programme (QQI Level 5 – 5M5146) in Sligo this October.

Dual Pathway: Train Like a Pro While Earning Recognised Qualifications

This full-time course offers a dual pathway for school leavers, aspiring footballers, and mature learners to pursue professional football training while earning nationally and internationally recognised qualifications. Based at the Showgrounds and Sligo Regional Sports Complex, the programme combines expert coaching with structured education in a fully supportive environment.

Academic and Industry-Recognised Learning

Participants will attend academic classes each morning and work towards a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Sport, Recreation, and Exercise. Modules include:

• Exercise & Fitness
• Sports Anatomy
• Nutrition
• Leisure Facility Administration
• And more

Additional certifications include:

• ITEC Level 2 Gym Instructor Diploma
• FAI Coaching Badges
• Lifeguard Certification

These qualifications create clear progression pathways to employment or further education.

Professional Football Development

Afternoons are dedicated to football development, with training five days a week delivered by UEFA-qualified coaches including Mickey Feeney and Leo Tierney. Sessions cover all technical, tactical, and physical elements of the modern game. Learners will also represent the programme in competitive fixtures across Ireland.

What They Said

“After 20 years of success with our training course in Mayo, we now have a brilliant opportunity, in partnership with Sligo Rovers FC and the MSLETB, to deliver the FAI Football and Education Programme in the north-west region. Having witnessed the development of young people through this pathway over the years—both in life and in their career choices, on and off the pitch—we’re excited to see what the future holds with this new beginning. Being able to help and support both female and male learners to reach their potential is incredibly rewarding for us, and we look forward to continuing the journey with a new generation of players.”
— Leo Tierney, FAI Course Coordinator

“Moving our Football and Education Programme to Sligo Rovers FC gives us a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop. The programme is open to both males and females, and it will provide all participants with the chance to further both their education and football development.”
— Michael Feeney, Assistant Coordinator

“Sligo Rovers are delighted that the ETB programme is moving to the Showgrounds. This marks the result of years of hard work. We strongly believe in combining football and education for all our players. This move allows more boys and girls within our academy to pursue both. It’s another positive step forward as the club continues to build and grow across all areas.”
— Conor O’Grady, Head of Academy, Sligo Rovers

Elite Facilities and Full Support

Sligo Rovers are providing elite-level training facilities including:

• Showgrounds pitches
• On-site gym
• Video analysis suites

Students also gain access to the Sligo Sports Complex gym and swimming pool.

Course Information

• Start Date: 13 October
• Location: The Showgrounds & Sligo Regional Sports Complex
• Entry Requirements: Minimum NFQ Level 4 + interview & evaluation
• Fees: No course fees for eligible full-time learners
• Supports: Accommodation or travel allowance, career guidance, progression to third-level

How to Apply

For full course details and to apply, visit:
www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=481708

Midfielder Ciaron Harkin is the latest player to join Sligo Rovers, signing from fellow League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City, the club is delighted to confirm.

Harkin signs with Rovers until the end of the 2025 season, with the club retaining an option for the 2026 season.

The 29-year-old is the sixth signing of the summer transfer window, with John Russell already adding Patrick McClean, Seb Quirk, Ryan O’Kane, James McManus and Sean Stewart this month.

The Derry native began his senior career with the Candystripes, having joined the club’s Under 19s from local side Trojans in 2014.

Harkin, who is known as ‘Jackie’, left Derry City in the summer of 2015 when he moved to NIFL side Institute.

He spent a year and a half with Institute, before moving on to Coleraine in 2017, making a Derry City return ahead of the 2019 season.

Harkin was a regular for Derry City from 2019-2021, but suffered devastating back-to-back ACL ruptures which kept him sidelined for almost two years.

He made a return to action in 2024, and went out on loan to Coleraine at the end of the year to get game time under his belt.

Now back to full fitness and with his injury troubles long behind him, Harkin is keen to push on with a ‘new challenge’ at Sligo Rovers, have only played six times for Tiarnan Lynch’s side this year.

Harkin said: “There was talk of me maybe leaving a month or two ago and it wasn’t something I wanted to do at the time but when John Russell contacted me, straight away I was excited and it was something I wanted to do. I’m delighted it happened and excited to get going.  

“This year hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to go, I haven’t been playing much but I’ve been staying fit and waiting for my opportunity.”

With Rovers in a good run of form at present, unbeaten in their last five league games – six in all competitions – Harkin didn’t need much convincing to make the move to the Bit O’Red.

“It wasn’t that long ago Derry City were down here, and lost 2-0 down here. I saw it with my own two eyes how well Sligo Rovers play, the attacking football that they have. 

“It’s something that excited me. That did help sway my decision, I’m delighted to get going and hopefully I can bring something else to it.”

Harkin grew up with Rovers centre-back Paddy McClean, and also played alongside both Will Fitzgerald and Cian Kavanagh while at Derry City, so settling in will not be an issue.

On what the Rovers fans can expect to see from him, Harkin said: “Hard work and honesty, hopefully we can keep that winning mentality.”

With plenty of competition across the squad for places, it doesn’t faze Harkin whatsoever.

“You want a bit of competition, it makes it better then when you do get your spot because you have people behind you pushing you, hopefully I can push others and they can push me.”

Speaking about the addition of Harkin, Sligo Rovers manager John Russell said: “Brilliant signing. A player I’ve always admired. He’s a midfielder who can do a bit of everything. He’s tenacious, good on the ball, legs, energy, he’s coming to us at the stage of his career for a fresh challenge. 

“He’s a Derry boy, he’s had his injuries in the past but he’s over those now. He’s hungry to play, sitting on the bench is not easy for any player but especially at his age, he’s in the prime of his career, at 29. 

“That’s when you’re at your best, he’s experienced an awful lot. For him to come down here, in the dressing room he’ll be brilliant and on the pitch he’ll be brilliant. I want to try and build a squad that can continue to help us win matches and challenge the so-called bigger resourced clubs and bigger clubs in the league. 

“Competition for places is good. He’s a quality addition to the group, it gives everyone a lift. We’ve brought in a few players in this window and it’s definitely helped us.

“He brings quality on the ball and into the team. But also that know-how, game management. Also to help the young players. That’s one thing we pride ourselves on in Sligo, bringing lads through the academy and signing the best young talent  and developing them but you need that sprinkle of experience around the group and that was something I identified in the first half of the season, we were probably too young. 

“As a manager you have to be constantly looking at improving the group and the players you bring in, are they going to make you better? 

“And this signing makes us better, it’s as simple as that. I want to win and the players that we have want to win, we want to have a strong end to the season.”

Jessica Farry

Cork City coughed up a two-goal lead to fall to a costly defeat, which leaves them 11 points adrift of Sligo Rovers in their Premier Division relegation struggle.

The hosts showed signs of life as Evan McLaughlin and Seani Maguire goals put them on the brink of a first league victory in 14 attempts.

But manager Ger Nash was denied an overdue triumph by Owen Elding and Patrick McClean’s strikes.

City came close to a late winner only for Alex Nolan’s wonderstrike to cannon off the crossbar. Rovers countered as Ryan O’Keane buried the 89th-minute winner.

Despite the 11 remaining games, those goals may have all but condemned City to the drop in front of a 2,673 crowd, which included Roy Keane.

They were booed off by the Shed End at the final whistle.

Nash opted for three changes, headlined by the return of Maguire up top for Charlie Lutz. Harry Nevin made his first start in two months at right-back, while McLaughlin was recalled to the midfield.

They were without five possible starters in keeper David Odumosu, suspended captain Charlie Lyons, Milan Mbeng, Seán Murray, and St Mirren-bound winger Malik Dijksteel.

Rovers’ recent success has been built on early goals. Here, they were under the cosh from the start.

City got behind them down the flanks to force a couple of quickfire corners. Maguire got under his header, while Cathal O’Sullivan had a shot blocked.

However, City regained possession from the latter opportunity and sliced Rovers open.

Maguire switched to Kitt Nelson in space, and the Preston loanee zipped a quality ball into McLaughlin’s feet. He jinked onto his left and deceived Sam Sargeant by whipping the ball inside the near post for his second of the season.

That seventh-minute strike was City’s earliest goal in almost three months.

The hosts weren’t used to holding such an early lead, but they made life difficult for their opponents by defending in a determined low block, led by the aerial ability of Fiacre Kelleher.

A couple of Rory Feely long throws further highlighted City’s intent to make life as awkward as possible for the visitors, resulting in a Nelson shot down the keeper’s throat.

Maguire’s hold-up play provided a key outlet for Brann’s route-one balls. But when the keeper launched him straight through the middle, the 11-cap Ireland international delayed too long and fluffed his shot.

O’Sullivan was an early casualty as he was helped off, worryingly, rubbing his left knee after attempting to contest a high ball.

Matthew Kiernan’s driving runs on the counter kept Rovers unsettled. One forced a corner, which saw Kelleher retreat with his head in his hands after nodding wide. Then, Nelson twisted onto his right, but shot straight at Sargeant.

Brann was alert to make a flying save on the resumption as Will Fitzgerald’s hit looked destined for the top corner. He added a follow-up save from McClean from the corner. Fitzgerald headed their next chance over.

From that goal kick, Nelson and Alex Nolan combined down the right to drag the ball back for Maguire. His first shot was saved by Sargeant, but Maguire latched onto the rebound to bury his fourth goal of the season, and first in two months.

The two-goal cushion lasted just four minutes. Rovers exploited the vast tracts of empty space around the tiring City defence as Hakiki fed Elding, who finished at the second attempt after a fine Brann save.

Fitzpatrick blazed wide before Rovers switched to two up front. Elding almost profited from a Feely slip, but Brann foiled the opportunity and Nevin cleared.Brann again came up trumps to push around the post from Hakiki, but from Fitzgerald’s corner, McClean directed a bullet header into the far corner.

New signings Kaedyn Kamara and Brody Lee made late debuts, but once Nolan’s effort bounced away from danger, Rovers came up with a late dagger through O’Kane.

Cork City: Conor Brann; Harry Nevin, Rory Feely, Fiacre Kelleher, Matthew Kiernan (Benny Couto 82); Darragh Crowley, Evan McLaughlin; Cathal O’Sullivan (Alex Nolan 20), Kitt Nelson (Kaedyn Kamara 83), Josh Fitzpatrick (Brody Lee 82); Seani Maguire (Charlie Lutz 75).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds (Francely Lomboto 70), Ollie Denham, Patrick McClean, Seán Stewart; James McManus, Seb Quirk; Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane; Owen Elding.

Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin).

Report courtasy of RTÉ