Sligo Rovers take on Derry City tomorrow (Monday) night in our penultimate home game of the 2022 League of Ireland Premier Division season.

It will be Rovers’ second game in three days following our 3-3 draw in Dundalk on Friday night.

The Bit O’ Red were twice ahead in the game after Frank Liivak opened the scoring after twenty minutes and Max Mata put us ahead again with seven minutes remaining after Aidan Keena had brought us level following two Dundalk goals in between his and Liivak’s strikes.

Former Rovers player Keith Ward got on the end of a John Martin knock down in stoppage time to bring Dundalk level but, Rovers can be happy with their overall performance and manager John Russell looks forward to another game tomorrow night.

‘’We were all disappointed to concede a late equaliser on Friday night but, the players put in a really good away performance and there were good signs again on our progress.

‘’Tomorrow night we welcome Derry who have been in great form in recent months.

‘’It will be a tough game but it’s one we’re all looking forward to.

‘’We want to finish the season strong’’.

The sides have met on three occasions so far in 2022 and nothing separates them in terms of results. A 0-0 draw back in February was followed by a 2-1 win at The Showgrounds for Rovers thanks to a 90^th minute Seamas Keogh winner.

Will Patching’s free kick back in September was enough to earn his side a 1-0 win at The Ryan McBride Brandywell in the last meeting of the teams.

Garry Buckley (Knee), Mark Byrne (Knee), David Cawley (Hip), Shane Blaney (Ankle) and Luke McNicholas (Knee) remain out with injury.

After a tough 90 minutes on Friday night, Russell may make some changes to freshen the team up as we go into our final three games of the season and remain in fifth spot in the League table.

We will remember our former security member Rodney Horan before the game with a minute silence after his passing this week. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this time.

Gates open at 6.30pm.

Shelbourne took the Women’s National League points with a 2-0 win against Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park to stay in the title-race with one game remaining

Sligo Rovers were on the backfoot for most of what was a must-win encounter for the hosts and they scored early and late to seal the victory in an encounter they dominated.

Abbie Larkin had Shelbourne in front after only three minutes when she finished to the net from a Jess Gargan cross.

Shelbourne dominated the remainder of the half and had plenty of chances, with Noelle Murray going close and Sligo ‘keeper Amy Mahon making a number of saves.

Amy Boyle-Carr had a half-chance for Sligo Rovers in the 39th minute when she tested Amanda Budden while at the other end Murray should have increased Shelbourne’s lead when she waltzed into the penalty area and blazed over the bar.

Shelbourne had to settle for a 1-0 interval lead, but resumed smartly and Larkin headed a good chance over the bar soon after the restart.

Amy Boyle-Carr created another good chance in the 55th minute when she ran almost the full length of the pitch before firing narrowly wide.

However, the pattern remained with Shelbourne continuing to dominate without hitting the target.

Megan Smyth-Lynch had a chance midway through the half, but once again Amy Mahon saved.

The hosts continued to labour in their efforts for a second goal and Larkin was yellow-carded for a challenge on Lauren Boles.

Then Alex Kavanagh was cautioned for her reaction after referee Declan Toland awarded a free to the Bit O’Red in the 73rd minute.

Shelbourne continued to squander chances with Murray off target in the 80th minute, but Larkin eventually added a second goal in the 81st minute.

Shelbourne – Amanda Budden; Jess Gargan, Jessie Stapleton, Pearl Slattery, Shauna Fox, Alex Kavanagh, Abbie Larkin, Noelle Murray, Megan Smyth-Lynch, Keeva Keenan, Leah Doyle.

Subs – Rachael Graham for Kavanagh 78 mins, Jemma Quinn for Murray and Heather O’Reilly for Keenan both 85m, Emma Starr for Smyth-Lynch 88m.

Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Leah Kelly, Aife Haran, Amy Roddy, Sarah Kiernan, Lauren Boles, Gemma McGuinness, Paula McGrory, Katie Melly, Emma Doherty, Amy Boyle-Carr. 

Subs – Kerri O’Hara for Kelly 78 mins, Amy Hyndman for Boyle-Carr and Fiona Doherty forMelly both 85m, Laura McLellan for McGrory and Aoife Brennan for E Doherty both 87m.

Referee – Declan Toland.
Assistant-referees – Alan Dunne, Fintan Butler,
Fourth official – Sarah Dyas.

Report: Conall Collier

Photo: Sportsfile

Sligo Rovers travelled to Casey’s Field in Dundalk on Friday night in our second-last away game of the 2022 League season to play Dundalk in front of just over 2,000 supporters.

Rovers were without a number of players due to injury with Garry Buckley, Mark Byrne, Luke McNicholas and David Cawley all out for the remainder of the season and Shane Blaney and Niall Morahan injured also.

Lewis Banks came into the back four in place of Blaney to partner Nando Pijnaker at centre back. Kailin Barlow was handed his first league start by manager John Russell in place of Niall Morahan.

Both sides looked to keep possession early on and little or no chances were created until Rovers forced a corner and Adam McDonnell’s cross was headed onto the Dundalk post by Kailin Barlow but Frank Liivak followed up and blasted the rebound into the top corner to give Rovers the lead.

The lead lasted around fifteen minutes as Dundalk midfielder Alfie Lewis equalised with a fine effort from twenty yards, his left footed shot finding the top corner of Richard Brush’s net.

The sides remained level at half-time at 1-1.

Nine minutes into the second-half and the hosts took the lead. Bruno Hauge ran down the right wing and his cross went all the way to the back post for youngster Ryan O’ Kane to take a touch, steady himself and fire home.

John Russell brought on Max Mata in attack in place of Kailin Barlow after an hour and Rovers looked to push forward to find a leveller.

Aidan Keena dropped a little deeper with Mata the lone striker and it was Keena who found space on the left before dribbling into the area past two Dundalk defenders and firing an unstoppable shot into the far left corner to level matters again on 76 minutes.

Rovers regained the lead just six minutes later. Max Mata got on the end of Frank Liivak’s through ball and the New Zealander steadied himself and rolled it into the corner past goalkeeper Shepperd, much to the delight of the travelling Bit O’ Red supporters.

Karl O’ Sullivan and Seamas Keogh were introduced in the final few minutes in place of Robbie Burton and Liivak as John Russell looked to bring on some fresh legs.

There seemed to be little danger of a home equaliser until the 92nd minute. Andy Boyle sent a long ball forward and striker John Martin won the flick on and it fell to Keith Ward who side-footed it home past Brush to give his side a share of the spoils.

Next up we host Derry City on Monday at The Showgrounds at 7.45pm.

Photo: Sportsfile

Our 2022 Academy season comes to a close on Sunday afternoon as our Under 19 Mens team host Waterford at 2pm at The Sean Fallon Centre.

All other teams have now concluded their seasons last weekend and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our players and staff for their commitment once again this year.

Sunday’s game is free to enter and all support is welcome.

Sligo Rovers travel to Tolka Park this weekend for another huge game in the Women’s National League (WNL) where they will tackle title-chasing and
defending champions Shelbourne.

The Bit O’Red lost to leaders Wexford last weekend, but were well in the game until the final 10 minutes when they were exposed as they pushed for an equaliser and conceded two goals in the space of a minute.

Shelbourne manager Noel King will have his players totally focused for the visit of Sligo Rovers and won’t need reminding that they were 2-0 to the good at the Showgrounds last July, but ended up on the wrong side of a 3-2 scoreline in front of the TG4 cameras.

The formbook suggests that Shelbourne will have too much firepower for the newest team in the WNL, but that formbook would also suggest that Sligo Rovers will have a real go at taking the three points home from Tolka Park.

Steve Feeney’s side can score goals, as they proved against the WNL leaders Wexford last weekend and against Shelbourne the last time they met.

The Sligo women also take a very positive attitude into each game and always endeavour to play good football.

The physicality of the top teams was an issue for the Bit O’Red in the early part of the season, but that is something they have addressed as the season progressed.  

However, Shelbourne will still be expecting to take the points, but they had to work hard for victory against DLR Waves last Saturday as goals from Megan Smyth-Lynch and Jessie Stapleton helped them to a hard-earned 2-1 victory.

The Dublin side know that they must win this game on Saturday to  keep the destination of the title in their own hands.

Sligo Rovers will also want to get something out of the game to stay ahead of ninth-placed Cork City and also to boost the prospects of victory for the last game of the season on home turf  the following weekend against DLR Waves.

LAST TIME:
RESULT

Sligo Rovers 3, Shelbourne 2

TEAMS

Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Leah Kelly, Ruth Monaghan, Orna O’Dowd, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Emma Doherty, Kerri O’Hara, Paula McGrory, Amy Boyle-Carr, Helen Monaghan. 

Subs – Sarah Kiernan for R Monaghan 33 mins, Emma Hansberry for McGuinness and Jessica Casey for O’Hara both 73m, Fiona Doherty
for E Doherty 85m.

Shelbourne – Amanda Budden; Jess Gargan, Jessie Stapleton, Pearl Slattery, Shauna Fox, Alex Kavanagh, Rachel Graham, Megan Smyth-Lynch, Keeve Keenan, Leah Doyle, Emma Starr. 

Subs – Noelle Murray for Kavanagh, Heather O’Reilly for Keenan and Abbi Lareekin for Smyth-Lynch all 60 mins, Izzy Glennon for Starr 78m, Lia O’Leary for Doyle 85m.

Sligo Rovers take on Dundalk FC tomorrow (Friday) night at Casey’s Field at 7.45pm in The SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

The game is Rovers’ 33^rd League game of the campaign and John Russell’s side currently sit in fifth spot in the Premier Division table.

The penultimate away game of the 2022 season will be a difficult one says Manager John Russell:

‘’Dundalk away is always a tough fixture. They have shown some good form at home this season so we know it’ll be a difficult game.

We come into the game after a good performance and win over UCD.

The players showed a real hunger and desire to win the game and we expect the same again on Friday night.

It’s important we finish the season strong’’.

In team news, Garry Buckley and Mark Byrne remain side-lined long term along with Luke McNicholas and David Cawley.

Max Mata missed Rovers’ last outing against UCD a fortnight ago but returns to the squad tomorrow night. Niall Morahan is a doubt with an ankle injury picked up in training this week.

Rovers also play on Monday night when we welcome Derry City to The Showgrounds in a game which was postponed from last weekend due to The Candystripe’s involvement in the FAI Cup Semi-Final.

Tickets for tomorrow night are on sale over on Dundalk’s website and you can find them on the below link:

https://embed.futureticketing.ie/c/dundalk-fc/

The game is Live on LOI TV and Commentary can be heard on Ocean FM from 7.45pm.

Sligo Rovers Academy are holding trials for our Under 14 Boys squad for the 2023 National League season on Saturday November 5th from 2pm-4pm at The Showgrounds astro pitch, The Sean Fallon Centre.

Players must have been born in 2009 in order to be eligible to attend.

Players should fill in the form below to register for the trials.

After filling in the form, you are free to attend on the day.

FORM: https://forms.gle/WaZJZhNJefFNqf5ZA

Sligo Rovers Academy are holding trials for our Under 15 Boys squad for the 2023 National League season on Sunday November 6th from 2pm-4pm at The Showgrounds astro pitch, The Sean Fallon Centre.

Players must have been born in 2008 in order to be eligible to attend.

Players should fill in the form below to register for the trials.

After filling in the form, you are free to attend on the day.

FORM: https://forms.gle/FcyeodjB4NEq1yTWA

Our SSE Airtricity Premier Division season is into the last three weeks with four games remaining for the Bit O’ Red.

Our next game is away to Dundalk at Casey’s Field on Friday night at 7.45pm.

We then have two home games back to back with Derry City coming to The Showgrounds next Monday, October 24th at 7.45pm followed by the visit of St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday October 28th, also at 7.45pm.

Tickets are available now for home supporters via the link below:

https://srfcdirect.com/match-tickets/

Away supporters tickets are available through the relevant clubs and no away supporters will be allowed entry on a home supporter ticket and it’s strictly all ticket for away fans.

The Bit O’ Red season comes to a conclusion on Sunday November 6th when we face Bohemians at Dalymount Park at 7pm.

Wexford Youths took the Women’s National League (WNL) points with a hard-earned, but convincing win fueled by a Kylie Murphy headed hat-trick against Sligo Rovers at Ferrycarraig Park on Saturday evening.

Wexford went into the game on the back of two defeats, but got back to winning ways with an emphatic display against a Sligo Rovers team that kept coming back at them until they conceded the final two goals in the space of a minute late in the second-half.

Wexford had the early chances with the best effort in the sixth minute from Ciara Rossiter, but Amy Mahon produced a smart save for the Bit O’Red.

Soon after Wexford’s Jess Lawlor flashed a shot over the bar and Mahon was kept busy as she saved a couple of subsequent efforts, but she was beaten in the 31st minute.

Rossiter centred and as Mahon advanced she was beaten to the ball by Kylie Murphy who got a vital touch for a 31st minute lead.

Sligo countered from the resultant kick-off and a superb Paula McGrory effort was tipped on to the crossbar and over by Wexford ‘keeper Maeve Williams.

Sligo Rovers continued to press and Gemma McGuinness hit over in the 35th minute as the pace picked up despite the windy conditions.

Murphy was denied by another good Mahon save, but Ciara Rossiter powered Wexford into a two-goal lead five minute from the interval.

Any thoughts Wexford had of a comfortable run to the interval were undone when Emma Doherty floated the ball over Williams and into the net to reduce the deficit.

Wexford resumed on the front foot and 14 minutes into the second-half Murphy headed the hosts into a 3-1 lead from a corner, but some 60 seconds later Doherty headed Sligo back into contention, also from a corner.

Both teams gave it 100 per cent for the remainder and Sligo Rovers enjoyed a brief spell of dominance.

However, in the 78th minute that Wexford restored a two-goal cushion when Murphy headed to the net for her hat-trick and a minute later the hosts were out of sight after Rossiter finished for her second.

Leading by 5-2, the hosts battened down the hatches for the final 10 minutes and were worthy of the victory against a hard-working and determined Sligo Rovers side that goes to Tolka Park next weekend to tackle Shelbourne.

Wexford Youths – Maeve Williams; Orlaith Conlon, Della Doherty, Kylie Murphy, Edel Kennedy, Becky Watkins, Ciara Rossiter, Jess Lawler, Nicola Sinnott, Aoibheann Clancy, Emma Walker. 

Subs – Aine Walsh for Walker 73 mins, Lauren Dwyer for Lawler and Maedbh Russell for Doherty both 82m

Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Leah Kelly, Ruth Monaghan, Emma Hansberry, Orna O’Dowd, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Emma Doherty, Amy Roddy, Katie Melly, Paula McGrory. 

Subs – Sarah Kiernan for O’Dowd and Kerri O’Hara for Melly both 67 mins, Ciara Henry for Monaghan 73m, Fiona Doherty for Kelly and Lauren McLellan for Hansberry both 80m.