Sligo Rovers play their final game before the mid-season break on Friday evening against Finn Harps in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division season.

The Bit O’ Red went top of the table last Monday night after a 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium.

Rovers and Harps have played a host of close matches in recent seasons, exchanging victories at various points each year.

Last year Harps won the opening game of the season in Finn Harps, while Rovers won 3-1 in The Showgrounds.

Johnny Kenny’s goal was the difference between the teams earlier in the season, Rovers now go in search of a first victory in Finn Park since February 2019.

David Cawley, Darren Collins and Danny Kane will miss this game due to injury.

Liam Buckley said: “It was a big shift on Monday, a great result and a great three points overall. I’m delighted for the group to see us top of the table because it has been a while since it happened.

“The optics on us now are that after 13 games we’re competing really well so we just need to try to maintain the performance levels and fitness levels.

“We kept the ball better on Monday and were a bit more patient and composed with it which is what we want.  

“We’ve done well so far and overall I’m happy with the effort going in. That said, it was just three points and we are just one third into the season. That’s the reality so we just have to try to keep picking up results. We’ve spoken about what has gotten us to this position so far and it has been hard work, effort and trying to be better.

“It’s the same three points on offer in every game, the opportunity comes up each weekend and I know if you don’t turn up in any game you’ll be beaten. That is what we’ve seen in the league this season with every team.

“Finn Harps have done particularly well with some of the results picked up in recent weeks and I think both sides know this will be a difficult task.

“We don’t get ahead of ourselves despite the few wins we have had in recent weeks. There is a good confidence within the group but we know the performance has to be delivered in every game if we are to keep picking up points. We look forward to game and trying to give a good account of ourselves again.”