With no games scheduled in the Women’s National League this weekend due to international fixtures, ConallCollier spoke to Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney about the performance against Athlone Town last Saturday and the remaining six games in the club’s debut season, starting with the visit of Galway on Saturday 10th September.

The Bit O’Red go into the mini-break in eighth position, seven points clear of Cork City and eight adrift of seventh-placed Bohemian FC.

The target for the remaining games is to collect as many points as possible and close the gap on Bohemian FC.

Feeney was positive about many aspects of last Saturday’s performance, although he also suggested that there are key areas in which the team can find some improvement.

“I know I’ve said this a few times, but it’s the truth, the girls always keep going, always keep trying to play football and it was the same against Athlone Town,” he commented.

“Even when we were 3-1 down, for the start of the second-half, they kept focused and deservedly got back into the game with a superb goal from Paula (McGrory) with about 12 or 13 minutes remaining.

“Then we had a couple of chances for an equaliser and we just couldn’t get level.

“That’s probably the difference in a lot of the games this season where we were edged out by a goal, when you get a chance at this level, you have to be able to take it.

“It was disappointing that we didn’t get something out of the game in Athlone, but they’re in the top three and we are in our first season.

“They were able to bring a player of the calibre of Emily Corbet off the bench in that second-half and she got that fourth goal when we were pushing forward,” he added.

Regarding the overall performance against Athlone, and other displays this season, Feeney maintained that a bit more consistency over 90 minutes is one area that he is focused on.

“Our second-half display against Athlone was very pleasing, I suppose it all comes down to more consistency,” he stated.

“We struggled to deal with the threat Athlone posed in the first-half, especially after we took the lead.

“It was all a bit frantic and we just needed a bit more composure, but the players are learning all the time.

“I can identify areas where we have to improve, we have conceded too many easy goals this season and if we can address that, then we will start picking up points again.

“We had a good training game on Tuesday and everyone will come back next week and prepare for the visit of Galway.

“That will be another tough one for us, but we can use it as a gauge to measure our levels of improvement.

“We have six games left, starting with the visit of Galway, and we have to try to start picking up some points.

“We know how good we can be, it’s a matter of bringing that form into our remaining games,” he concluded.

Our SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game with Derry City, originally scheduled for July 22nd, will now be played on Tuesday September 13th at 7.45pm at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

The Bit O’ Red were in European action against Motherwell at the time of the original game meaning it was postponed.

It will see Rovers on the road against Shelbourne and Derry City within four days of each other in another busy couple of weeks for John Russell and his squad.

Our friends at Trinity Bar, Cabo Roig will be holding a Golf Classic in aid of the club on Thursday September 29th 2022.

The Classic will begin at 9am local time at Altaona Golf Club. Details on the venue can be found on their website here: https://altaonavillage.com/

The Classic will be a 4-ball scramble with a Shotgun start. The cost is €60 per person to take part in the event.

Around 60 players will take part in the event with spaces still available. Bit O’ Red supporters can register their interest and sign up by contacting Jimmy on +34603286730

Accomodation can also be organised through Trinity Bar and Jimmy will have more information on this for interested parties.

Flights from Ireland are regular from Knock and Dublin with Knock going Wednesday September 28th to Saturday October 1st for around €200 return.

Dublin Airport flies more regularly with some more options available for travelling supporters.

We want to thank all at Kiernan’s for their support of the club. Trinity Bar sponsored our game with Derry City earlier in the season and they will also have a pitch-side sign at The Showgrounds next season.

We hope to make this an annual event with more plans for 2023 in the pipeline.

#bitored

The Bit O’ Red got back to winning ways at The Showgrounds last night with a convincing 2-0 win over Dundalk.

The game was Rovers’ first home game since defeating Bohemians at the start of the month and our recent home form continued thanks to an Andy Boyle own goal in the 57th minute followed by Frank Liivak’s first goal for the club on 83.

John Russell made two changes with Frank Liivak and Greg Bolger coming into the team in place of Karl O’ Sullivan and Max Mata.

Rovers started well and forced some early corners, with one flashing across the six yard box from Adam McDonnell’s cross.

Soon after the game’s big talking point happened. Aidan Keena played the ball in behind the Dundalk defence and Liivak looked to be away only for Darragh Leahy to grab the ball on the ground with his arm as he fell to the floor, denying The Estonian the chance to attack and therefore adjudged to have denied a goalscoring opportunity and referee John McLaughlin showed him a red card.

Shane Blaney limped off after half an hour and Cameron Evans came on to make his Rovers’ debut in his place.

The Bit O’ Red pushed for an opener for the remainder of the first half but good possession and passing brought no goals.

In the second half Rovers did make the breakthrough. Aidan Keena burst into the box on 57 minutes before shooting down the throat of goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd. Keena was quickest to the rebound and he played it to Will Fitzgerald who’s cross went into the net off Andy Boyle to give Rovers the lead.

Max Mata was introduced for Adam McDonnell on the hour and Mata almost made it two with his first touch. Again Fitzgerald was in on the left and his cross was met by Mata but he couldn’t find the target with his effort.

Fitzgerald went close himself soon after as his shot flashed just over the bar and Rovers created numerous opportunities to double the lead but a mix of good defending and good goalkeeping denied them.

Kailin Barlow and Niall Morahan came on on 78 minutes and Barlow was immediately involved. His floated pass found the impressive and hard working Keena on the right and his inch perfect pass was met by Liivak to turn the ball home and make it 2-0 to Rovers. Liivak showed his delight as he celebrated his first club goal.

Luke McNicholas and the Bit O’ Red defence saw the game out from there on in to secure an important three points.

Next up is a home game with Drogheda United on Saturday at The Showgrounds.

We host Dundalk FC tonight at 7.45pm at The Showgrounds in The SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

We outline all our Match Night information below:

Turnstiles:

Turnstiles open from 6.30pm.

Buy tickets in advance: https://srfcdirect.com/match-tickets/

Or pay on the turnstiles. Card payments accepted at certain turnstiles.

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.

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 Brand New state of the art CCTV system. 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 potentially 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.

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.

We wish to thank all supporters for their support in recent weeks and for the atmosphere created both at home and away.

We thank you for your co-operation

Sligo Rovers host Dundalk tomorrow night at The Showgrounds (Monday) at 7.45pm in our next SSE Airtricity League fixture.

The Bit O’ Red come into the game after two successive league defeats away to St Patrick’s Athletic and Finn Harps in the last couple of weeks and remain in fifth position in the table.

Dundalk were beaten 3-0 by Shamrock Rovers in their previous league fixture but advanced to the quarter-final of The FAI Cup on Friday night thanks to a 3-2 extra time win over Wexford FC at Ferrycarrig Park.

The sides have met twice this season so far with a 0-0 Showgrounds draw in March followed by a narrow 2-1 win for Dundalk at Oriel Park in May.

Tonight’s fixture was due to be played in June however, International call ups in both squads meant the game was deferred to this evening.

Manager John Russell knows the importance of the game:

‘’We have had a chance to regroup after the result last week and we’re now ready for what will be a massive game tomorrow night.

‘’Dundalk have a lot of quality in their team and have had a good season up to this point so we know it’ll be a difficult game.

‘’We haven’t beaten Dundalk this year so the players are eager to get back out in front of our home support and put on a good performance.’’

In teams news, Garry Buckley (Knee) and Seamas Keogh (Quad) are out with long term injuries.

Colm Horgan is getting closer to a return and could be back in the Bit O’ Red squad.

There are no other suspension or injury concerns for John Russell ahead of the game.

Ex Rovers defender Robbie McCourt is expected to be involved for the visitors on his first return to The Showgrounds following his July transfer.

Hosts Athlone Town had to work hard for the Women’s National League points against Sligo Rovers with a 4-2 victory as they recovered from the concession of an early goal to get back on the winning track.

Athlone started on the front foot and had a goal chance inside 60 seconds, but a timely Orna O’Dowd interception averted the danger.

The hosts were rocked in the fourth minute when Sligo Rovers hit the front after finding the net with their first meaningful attack as Amy Boyle-Carr finished well from inside the penalty area.

Athlone’s response was to launch a series of attacks that tested Bit O’Red ‘keeper Amy Mahon who was eventually beaten in the 15th minute when a Gillian Keenan effort nestled in the corner of the net.

Seven minutes later Keenan had Athlone in front when she scrambled the ball across the line in a crowded goalmouth.  

Athlone finished the half with a flourish and Kellie Brennan capitalised on some hesitant defending by the Bit O’Red to claim a third goal for the hosts a minute before the break.

Athlone dictated the early second-half exchanges, but it wasn’t until the 65th minute that there was any serious goalmouth action when Sligo Rovers created an opening.

Emma Doherty got on the end of a fine move, but her shot was saved by Niamh Coombes.

At the other end Roisin Molloy went close for Athlone before the Bit O’Red got back into contention when Paula McGrory rocketed a header past Coombes from a Gemma McGuinness cross in the 77th minute.

Emma Doherty had a chance of an equaliser following some hesitancy in the Athlone defence soon after, but the danger was averted and in the final minute the hosts sealed the win when substitute Emily Corbett finished to the net.

Athlone Town – Niamh Coombes; Kayleigh Shine, Jessica Hennessy, Muireann Devaney, Gillian Keenan, Kellie Brennan, Laurie Ryan, Madison Gibson, Kelsey Munroe, Roisin Molloy, Scarlett Herron.
Subs – Kate Slevin for Gibson 53 mins, Emily Corbet for Herron 71m, Lucy Ann Grant for Molloy 86

Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Leah Kelly, Orna O’Dowd, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Emma Doherty, Amy Roddy, Kerri O’Hara, Paula McGrory, Amy Boyle Carr, Sarah Kiernan. 

Subs – Fiona Doherty for O’Hara half-time, Katie Melly for Kelly 65 mins, Keela Scanlon for Roddy and Aife Haran for Boyle-Carr both 74m, Lauren McLellan for Kiernan 83m

Referee – Dave Connolly.

Sligo Rovers Annual Draw is now 8 weeks running with around €20,000 raised so far in a magnificent response from our loyal Bit O’ Red supporters and general public around the region.

The draw was launched back on July 10^th and since then, sales have been increasing online and through physical sales door to door or by our ticket sellers within the community.

Volunteers have been out and about in the county selling door to door and the response to this has been as generous as ever with those we visit being courteous and welcoming to our dedicated sellers.

The top prize of €5,000 is just one of a number of special prizes up for grabs this year when the draw takes place on October 1^st at our home game with Shamrock Rovers at The Showgrounds.

We have a €1,000 PetStop voucher with thanks to John McKeon and his team. There are two separate hotel stays up for grabs at both Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley and the 5 Star Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin City.

Music fans will be delighted to see four Westlife tickets for their Wild Dreams tour in Belfast in December available as well as 2 Rod Stewart tickets for Dublin in November.

There is a trip to Anfield to see Liverpool at a home game also there to be won not to mention €200 Kate’s Kitchen and Intersport Elverys vouchers (2 x €100).

With just 5 weeks to go until the draw, we encourage supporters who have not entered to do so soon to be in with a chance of winning.

All proceeds from this year’s draw will go directly towards our Stadium development plans for The Showgrounds with the club continuously working on our Masterplan which will see The Showgrounds transformed into a modern sporting venue for the North-West region.

There is also a special Business draw which allows businesses to enter a draw by purchasing a book of tickets. Each company will then be placed into a draw to win a pitch-side advertising sign at The Showgrounds for the entire 2023 season, worth over €1,200.

Buy online:

One ticket: https://srfcdirect.com/annual-draw-ticket-2022/

One book of tickets: https://srfcdirect.com/annual-draw-book-of-ten-2022/

After travelling to Cork last weekend, Sligo Rovers hit the road again this Saturday as they travel to Westmeath to tackle Athlone Town for a 7pm kick-off in the Women’s National League.

Edged out by Cork City in a thriller last weekend by the odd goal in five, the Sligo Rovers players will be determined to take something home from this encounter against Athlone.

Paula McGrory scored two great goals against Cork and was denied her hat-trick by the woodwork as the Bit O’ Red produced another encouraging display.

Last Saturday the TG4 cameras were in Athlone for the visit of Peamount and the Dublin side took an important three points with a goal in each half for a 2-0 victory.

Athlone had chances in that game with Erin McLaughlin’s effort headed off the Peamount line and Maddie Gibson clattered a shot off the post.

Last July at the Showgrounds, Athlone Town had to work hard for a 2-1 victory with Gillian Keenan hitting the winner in the 86th minute.

Sligo Rovers hit the front in that game with an eighth minute Gemma McGuinness goal, but Athlone levelled through Madison Gibson midway through the opening half and then hit that later winner.

With seven games remaining in a debut season, Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney and the players will realise at this stage that they can compete with the teams pushing for top four places with wins against Shelbourne and Wexford already achieved.

Athlone currently sit in third place and will be targeting this game as a must-win encounter if they hope to close the gap on the top two, but they won’t find it easy against the Bit O’Red.

LAST TIME

Sligo Rovers 1, Athlone Town 2

We have six games down for decision across the weekend with all teams in competitive action.

Our Under 14’s get Phase two of their season underway with a home game against St Patrick’s Athletic at 1pm at The Sean Fallon Centre.

An hour or so later, both Under 17 teams kick off in League games away from home.

Our Under 17 Womens side are in Limerick to face Treaty United at 2pm while our Men’s team are in Drogheda to face The Drogs at 2.30pm.

On Sunday our Under 15 team are away from home against Shelbourne at The AUL Complex at 2pm.

Also on Sunday, both Under 19 teams are in action as our Under 19 Men’s team host Shelbourne at 2pm at MacSharry Park and our Under 19 Women’s team host Bohemians at 4.30pm at The Sean Fallon Centre.

Admission to all games is free and we thank our sponsors of each team for their support this season:

Under 14: Alzheimers Society of Ireland, Sligo (on behalf of The Gallagher Family)

Under 15: O’ Connor Cabins/Knoxpark Developments

Under 17 Men’s: Ivor Parke, Paintor and Decorator

Under 17 Women’s: Avenue Mould Solutions and partners Sweet Beat Cafe, Sligo

Under 19 Men’s: EJ Menswear, Sligo

Under 19 Women’s: Overstock, Sligo and partners Sweet Beat Cafe, Sligo