Sligo Rovers can confirm the signing of Portuguese striker Pedro Martelo on a deal until the end of the 2023 season with the club having option of extending for the 2024 season.

The 23-year-old striker scored in the friendly victory over Celtic B on Tuesday night as a trialist and has joined up with his Rovers team-mates at training this morning for the first time officially.

Pending International Clearance, Martelo could be part of John Russell’s squad for Saturday night’s game against Cork City at The Showgrounds.

Russell spoke about his latest recruit today:

‘’I’m delighted to secure the signing of Pedro Martelo.

‘’Pedro came through the youth system at Benfica.

‘’He has represented Portugal at underage level where he scored numerous goals, while also winning the 2018 UEFA European U19 Championship.

‘’He most recently played in Portugal with Belenenses’’.

Martelo has had spells at Benfica, Deportivo La Coruna in Spain and back in Portugal with Pacos Ferreira and most recently Belenenses.

He will wear the number 9 shirt for the Bit O’ Red this season.

Russell feels Martelo could become a player that supporters will like:

‘’He is a strong and powerful centre forward who is excellent at linking the play and has great movement inside the box.

We’re all looking forward to working with him and I’m sure our supporters will enjoy watching him play’’.

We’ll hear from our new signing later on sligorovers.com

Sligo Rovers welcomed Celtic B to The Showgrounds on Tuesday night in front of around 1,700 supporters.

Manager John Russell used the game to blood some youth with ten changes made from the side that took on Derry City in the League four days previously, with only Frank Liivak keeping his place from that night.

David Cawley captained Rovers alongside Lukas Browning in midfield. Rovers had seven Academy players starting with Conor Reynolds from our Under 17 side and Under 19 players Niall Holohan, Gareth McElroy, Daniel Kelly, Daire McCarthy and Conor Campbell joining young goalkeeper Conor Walsh in the starting eleven.

Russell also gave a start to a Trialist player.

The game started brightly for Rovers with chances for Trialist and Frank Liivak who shot straight at the goalkeeper.

It wasn’t long until the Estonian gave Rovers the lead however as Reynolds lofted through ball found him inside the box and he fired high into the net for the opening goal.

Celtic tried to break forward to get back into the game, however chances were few and far between and it was the Bit O’ Red who doubled their lead on 24 minutes as Trialist finished to the net after Daniel Kelly’s shot was deflected into his path.

It was 2-0 at half-time and the visitors got back into the game five minutes into the second half through attacker Jude Bonner.

Russell brought on a host of subs for the second period with Richard Brush replacing Conor Walsh, Bridel Bosakani and Shane Rooney replacing Conor Campbell and Liivak and later on, David Cawley, Daniel Kelly, Conor Reynolds and Trialist replaced by youngsters Daire Patton, Patrick Montgomery, Kyle McDonagh and Ultan O’ Grady.

Rovers had plenty of chances in the second half, most notably through Montgomery who was first played down the side by Patton but his shot went wide before finding time and space in the box, only to be denied by a fine stop from the Celtic goalkeeper.

Richard Brush was also kept busy in the Rovers’ goal as the Celts looked for an equaliser but the veteran ‘keeper was taken off for the last few minutes to allow Under 17 player Kyle Gabbidon on for his first senior appearance.

With that, the game ended soon after and Rovers secured the friendly win.

Next up is a home game against Cork City at The Showgrounds this Saturday night at 7.45pm in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

We host Celtic tonight at 7pm at The Showgrounds in a mid-season friendly.

With many new faces expected at The Showgrounds for the game, we outline all our Match Night information below:

Turnstiles:

Turnstiles open from 6pm.

All Children Under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. This is non-negotiable and it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure their children are accompanied arriving to The Showgrounds and throughout the night.

All Children over the age of 12 must enter via the last turnstile on the left hand side which will be sign posted. This new turnstile is for Juveniles only and here they must pay €10 as per Category Two fixtures.

Please have your tickets ready for scanning to ensure a smooth and quick entry process. Any duplicate tickets will be refused and may lead to stadium bans for those in possession of one. Tickets will only scan once.

Seating:

Seating is first come, first served in all areas of the ground. Seats with names on them must be respected as these are Gold Season Ticket members who have paid for their seat to be reserved all season. Anyone found sitting in a seat that is not theirs will be asked to move. While this game is not valid for season tickets, we ask that you do not sit in a seat with someone’s name on it.

Security:

Members of our security team will carry out on the spot checks on bags and persons entering the ground. Alcohol and Pyrotechnics are not allowed and will be confiscated on entry. We ask supporters to please help the club in this regard and refrain from attempting to get in with any prohibited items.

CCTV:

CCTV is again in operation throughout the evening using our CCTV system. The system was instrumental in the club being able to utilise footage from previous anti-social behaviour and, in turn issue this to Gardai and serve stadium bans to some supporters. Security personnel and An Garda Siochaina will be monitoring the system and anyone found to be behaving in a way which contravenes our ground rules will be removed and banned from attending future games.

Car Parking:

There are limited spaces available at The Showgrounds astro turf car park. This will be closed once full, which is expected to be early in the evening. Supporters should note the club have come to an agreement with Nazareth House for official Match Night use of their grounds which has over 200 parking spaces. There is a charge of €2, with proceeds towards the upkeep of their grounds.

Flares:

Leave your flares at home. These are not wanted and anyone found with flares will be banned from attending future matches. These cause needless fines for the club, money which is raised by our volunteers and fellow supporters.

Pitch:

It is an offence to enter the field of play at any stage. This includes children. It is parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure children do not encroach on the pitch at any time.

Fan Appreciation Night:

The Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust will have a Fan Appreciation Night from 6pm in the BORST Clubhouse.

There is live music, entertainment and food available to supporters as well as a Q&A session just after 6pm with former Rovers Player-Manager and now Celtic scout Willie McStay.

All are welcome.

Tickets are still available here: https://srfcdirect.com/match-tickets/

We thank you for your co-operation

The Bit O’ Red host Celtic B at The Showgrounds tomorrow evening in a mid-season friendly at 7pm

The game sees the Glasgow side travel to Sligo as part of their pre-season preparations ahead of their new domestic season

Manager John Russell is looking forward to the game:

‘’We’re all looking forward to playing Celtic B tomorrow evening.

‘’There is a great history between both clubs so, I know it will be a special occasion for our supporters and the Celtic supporters throughout the North West of Ireland.

Tickets are available from 6pm at the turnstiles or online at www.srfcdirect.com

Season tickets are not valid for the game.

With a League game against Cork City at home this coming Saturday, Russell will use the game to blood some youngsters in a squad mixed with Academy and Senior players:

‘’The game gives us an opportunity to look at some of our own Academy players in a first-team environment and how they match up against some of Celtic’s top young prospects.

‘’Hopefully both sets of supporters come out in the their numbers and enjoy a good game of football’’.

Conor Walsh continues his recovery from an ankle injury and could be fit to play some part in the game.

Rovers remain without all other absentees from Friday night, however Kailin Barlow is back in contention following his recent suspension.

Owen Elding, Conor Campbell, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds will be just some of the Academy players set to feature in the matchday squad.

The Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust will hold a fan appreciation evening from 6pm in the their clubhouse, with a marquee also erected for the evening and also for Saturday’s game against Cork City.

Former Rovers’ Player-Manager Willie McStay will be in attendance at the event with a Q&A just after 6pm and everyone is welcome.

The Bit O’ Red Academy had a full fixture list over the past weekend with all six teams in action between Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

First up on Saturday, Darren Kelly’s Under 17 Womens team had a comprehensive win away to Longford Town.

Anna McDaniel was the hero on the day, scoring three goals, added to by firt goals of the season for Lauren Devaney and Lesley Anne Sweeney.

Anthony Elding’s Under 17 Men’s side had a famous win away to St. Patrick’s Athletic on Saturday afternoon, winning 1-0 thanks to Niall Kelly’s goal in the first half. This is a traditionally difficult away tie and it was a great result for the team, who have now won their opening three games in Phase Two of the League.

Colm Jinks’ Under 14 side hosted Bohs at The Sean Fallon Centre on Saturday and both sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Rovers’ goals were scored by Ryan Cunningham and Matthew Gillen in the Under 14 Cup. This now completes the group stages with Rovers finishing with ten points from a possible fifteen on offer, and qualification to the next round confirmed.

Sunday saw three games take place, with two games at The Showgrounds and one game away from home.

At Noon, our Under 15 side drew 1-1 with Athlone Town with the only Rovers goal scored by Oran Murphy who cancelled out the visitors’ opener.

Our Under 19 Men’s team came from behind to defeat the same opposition 4-2 at The Showgrounds with a Bridel Bosakani hattrick added to a late goal from second half substitute Ultan O’ Grady who sealed the points with a header. Bosakani’s impressive second half display was the highlight of the afternoon.

Our Under 19 Women won on the road with a 2-1 win away to Treaty United at University Limerick.

Attacking duo Katie McGuire and Rebecca Doddy continued their fine scoring form with a goal each which leaves them on six and eight goals respectively.

The Bit O’ Red have two Showgrounds fixtures this coming week as we welcome Celtic B on Tuesday night at 7pm in a mid-season friendly followed by a crucial League fixture with Cork City on Saturday evening at 7.45pm.

Supporters are reminded that season tickets can only be used on Saturday night and those wishing to attend the game on Tuesday can pay on the night at the turnstiles, which open at 6pm, or online via the link below:

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

The games will also see two supporter appreciation events, organised by The Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust on each night with a Marquee erected outside the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust Clubhouse.

There will be Live music, food and guest appearances on both nights with plenty of entertainment guaranteed.

Tickets for the game against Cork City can also be bought online via the above link or again, on the gate on the night.

This year’s Annual Draw will take place in 10 weeks from today at our home game with UCD on September 16th at The Showgrounds.

There has now been €15,000 raised so far throughout the month of June and in early July.

The draw is one of the club’s most important annual fundraisers with tickets sold for €10 each or in books of ten for €100.

The top prize is €5,000 in cash for the lucky winner with a huge second prize of a €2500 voucher for orthodontic care at West Coast Orthodontics in Sligo Town.

There are also a number of other great prizes including a PetStop voucher, hotel vouchers and more.

You can buy an Annual Draw ticket or a full book of ten tickets via the link below:

https://srfcdirect.com/annual-draw-ticket/

The club appreciates the support of our great supporters with this and all our fundraisers.

With no backing from a wealthy owner and having to fundraise as a supporter-owned and lead club, it is vital we continue to put all our efforts into these campaigns and we appreciate the support of our community.

Our Annual Draw sellers will be out and about around the region in the coming weeks and we thank you for showing them a great welcome.

Tickets will also be on sale at our upcoming games against Celtic B (Tuesday 7pm) and Cork City (Saturday 7.45pm).

Sligo Rovers fell to a narrow defeat following Will Patching’s 95th minute penalty at The Brandywell gave the hosts all three points after a fast-paced evenly contested game.

Rovers came into the game without the suspended Kailin Barlow, who was replaced by Stefan Radosavljevic in the starting eleven, as well as a number of players who remain out through injury.

Under 17 defender Conor Reynolds made his first appearance on the bench and Conor Walsh returned following injury for the first time this season.

The home side gave a start to new signing Paul McMullan after his recent arrival from Scotland.

The game started with both sides looking to get a foot-hold in the match, the first half chance came when Stefan Radosavljevic shot over from a free-kick around 25 yards out from the Derry goal and the Faroese went close again soon after as he was put in down the left hand side before cutting in on his right foot and shooting just over.

Derry had some half chances of their own with Ben Doherty and Michael Duffy working well down the left hand side, Doherty’s half volley went wide of Luke McNicholas’ goal before two further opportunities for both sides as Nando Pijnaker headed wide from Johan Brannefalk’s free-kick and Jame McGonigle did the same from McMullan’s cross for the hosts.

McGonigle didn’t have to wait long however as he gave The Candystripes the lead on 30 minutes.

The striker was played through by Brandon Kavanagh and he kept his cool and rolled the ball under McNicholas and into the net.

Rovers reacted well to this set back and were level ten minutes later.

Former Derry player Daniel Lafferty was brilliantly set up by Niall Morahan, turning two players in midfield before playing the ball wide to the on rushing Lafferty, carrying the ball into the box and firing past Brian Maher.

It was level at the break, but just before that Kavanagh’s curling free-kick from the edge of the area was well saved by McNicholas in one of the last plays of the opening period.

Rovers started the second half pretty well. Frank Liivak got to the byline and his cross was met by Lafferty but he couldn’t keep his effort down and moments later from a corner, Rovers had half a chance as Pijnaker’s headed fell to the feet of Max Mata but he and Lafferty got in eachother’s way and the chance was gone.

Derry brought on Will Patching, Patrick McEleney and new signing Danny Mullen in an attempt to find a winner and McEleney and Patching in particular ensured they found more possession in midfield and carried more of a threat in the final 25 minutes.

David Cawley and Lukas Browning came on for Greg Bolger and Lafferty who picked up a knock.

Patching tried his luck on two seperate occasions but both efforts fizzed wide and over the bar as Rovers defended well.

The hosts were awarded a penalty on 82 minutes. A short corner was played to Doherty who’s shot hit the hand of John Mahon, with referee Neil Doyle pointing to the spot and booking Mahon.

Doherty took the penalty himself but McNicholas made a great save to deny him both from the initial spot kick and the rebound, which he headed back at goal.

The final ten minutes were pretty evenly matched with Rovers and McNicholas equal to anything Derry threw at them but the game was decided in the 95th minute when Doyle pointed to the spot for a second time.

Cian Kavanagh, another second half substitute picked up possession on the right hand side and got past Pijnaker and into the area. Doyle adjudged Pijnaker to have fouled the Derry striker and awarded the penalty which was dispatched by Patching with one of the last kicks of the game.

Next up for Rovers is a home friendly with Celtic B at 7pm this Tuesday evening following by a League game with Cork City at The Showgrounds on Saturday at 7.45pm.

The Bit O’ Red take on Derry City on Friday night at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

The game kicks off at 7.45pm and will be the third meeting of the North-West sides so far this season.

Back in March at the same venue, Max Mata headed Rovers in front in the first-half but the goal was cancelled out by a late Ciaran Coll header to ensure the points were shared.

Will Fitzgerald’s early goal at The Showgrounds in May meant that Rovers took all three points in the most recent meeting.

Manager John Russell is keen for his side to kickstart a run of positive results this July, starting on Friday night:

‘’I feel we got back to what we’re about as a team last weekend.

‘’The key to our style of play is intensity.

‘’You need to play with high energy, work extremely hard, and show a desire to compete and win football matches.

‘’We know the quality we have in our group so it was nice to see us deliver a top performance’’.

The game is Live on LOI TV and Ocean FM will provide match commentary.

Sligo Rovers supporters should purchase tickets online in advance of travelling via the link below:

Russell wants to build on a positive performance and win in last week’s Showgrounds win over Bohemians:

‘’We now face into a big month of July. First up is a tough away fixture against Derry City.

‘’They have some top players and have already strengthened in the transfer window, so we know we’ll need to be at our best.

‘’It’s important we approach the game with the same mindset as last week’’.

In team news, there are no fresh injury concerns from last week’s game with Frank Liivak declaring himself fit after coming off at half-time against Bohemians.

Eanna Clancy has departed for UCD this week.

Garry Buckley, Karl O’ Sullivan and James Finnerty are all progressing and continuing their rehabilitation programmes with the hope to return in the next three weeks or so.

Gary Boylan will miss the rest of the season while Mark Byrne should return in around a month, with the same expected for Reece Hutchinson.

Conor Walsh is back in training and could return to the match squad in the next week or so while young defender Eli Rooney, who picked up an ankle injury in a recent Under 19 fixture, will be out for at least another couple of weeks.

Kailin Barlow is suspended following his red card against Bohemians last Friday.

The Bit O’ Red Academy has six games taking place between Saturday and Sunday.

Our Under 17 Women’s team are first up with an early kick-off away to Longford Town. This League fixture takes place at Bishopsgate at 11.30am.

At 2pm at Blanchardstown, our Under 17 Men’s team face St. Patrick’s Athletic and will look to continue their good start to Phase Two of the League after two wins from their two opening games.

Colm Jinks’ his Under 14 side take on Bohemians at 2pm at The Sean Fallon Centre in the Under 14 Cup. A win for Rovers would mean they finish their group with 12 points from a possible 15 on offer.

Sunday sees three further matches take place with two games at The Showgrounds and one game away from home.

Our Under 15 side host Athlone Town at Noon on The Sean Fallon Centre astro while our Under 19 Men’s team face the same opposition an hour later on the main pitch.

Treaty United are the hosts for our Under 19 Women’s team at University Limerick at 2pm. Rovers have won their last two games and will look to continue some good recent scoring form.