Sligo Rovers make the trip to Eamonn Deacy Park tomorrow for a Women’s National League (WNL) game against a Galway side that is five points adrift of second-placed Athlone Town.

That is a position the Galway players will be aiming to improve on that when they welcome their Connacht neighbours for the first time in the WNL game.

However, Galway will adopt a cautious approach as they had to work hard for a 2-1 victory at the Showgrounds at the beginning of May, despite enjoying periods of dominance.

Galway trailed to an early Emma Doherty strike and only got back on level terms in first-half added time when Becky Walsh found the net.

Galway added a second after the resumption when Shauna Brennan hit the target and that ultimately proved to be the winning goal.

In her efforts to save that effort, Bit O’Red ‘keeper Kristen Sample sustained a broken arm that has kept her on the sidelines since then.

Mayo teenager Amy Mahon deputised on that occasion, but she was absent last weekend for the Bit O’Red and that gave another talented shot-stopper, Farah McDonagh, an opportunity between the posts against the formidable force that is Athlone Town.

Sligo Rovers also hit the front in that game when Gemma McGuinness finished after Emma Doherty made the opening and Galway will have to be vigilant against the threat that the Bit O’Red duo will pose.

Athlone got back on level terms in the first-half, but had to wait until the 86th minute for a winner.

Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney was disappointed by the concession of that late goal, but was also full of praise

for the performance of his team.

“You have to remember that we are in our first season in the WNL and it’s a huge learning curve for everyone,” he commented.

“Experience is hugely important and we are getting that every week, I have no doubt that the players will continue to improve.

“We have to keep working on all aspects of our game, get fitter, get stronger, we can do that, but it just takes time.

“The supporters can see the determination of the players and it won’t take too much longer before we are in a position to start turning narrow defeats into narrow victories.

“We have Galway next and that will be another big test, they were very good against us in the second-half here, but this is another opportunity for the players to show what they can do and we are all looking forward to the game,” he added.

For Galway manager, Alan Murphy, this is another must-win game to stay in touch with the top four.

Dumped out of the FAI Cup a fortnight ago at Dalymount Park, Galway bounced back to winning form with a comprehensive 5-1 victory against Cork City last weekend.

 An own goal by City defender Ciara McNamara after only 60 seconds had Galway on the front foot and two more followed in a rewarding eight-minute spell for a 3-0 advantage. Bryce Reynolds and Jamie Erickson were the scorers.

Laura Shine pulled one back for Cork six minutes into the second-half, but Galway reacted positively and Lynsey McKey claimed a brace to round off a 5-1 victory.

Central to Galway’s dominance was the performance of Julie-Ann Russell, sister of John Russell, the manager of the Sligo Rovers men’s team. 

Russell was also a key performer for Galway in the first-round encounter at the Showgrounds and her performance could be crucial to the outcome of this encounter.

LAST TIME

Sligo Rovers 1, Galway 2

TEAMS

Sligo Rovers – Kristen Sample; Leah Kelly, Orna O’Dowd, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Emma Doherty, Aoife Brennan, Amy Roddy, Kerri O’Hara, Paula McGrory, Sarah Kiernan. Subs – Fiona Doherty for Brennan 56 mins, Amy Mahon for Sample 60m, Helen Monaghan for O’Hara and Katie Melly for Kelly both 70m.

Galway WFC – Abbiegayle Ronayne; Becky Walsh, Emma Starr, Shauna Brennan, Chloe Singleton, Julie Ann Russell, Jenna Slattery, Lynsey McKee, Therese Kinnevey, Jamie Erickson, Kate Thompson. Subs – Lauryn Gamache for Slattery 83 mins, Aoife Thompson for McKee and Taylor Rutland Singleton both 89m, Nicole McNamara for Thompson 97m.

Sligo Rovers defeated defeated Motherwell 1-0 ar Fir Park on Thursday night in front of over 7,000 spectators, including almost 500 travelling Bit O’ Red supporters.

John Russell was without goalkeeper Edward McGinty who completed a move to Oxford United this week, meaning Luke McNicholas came into the starting XI from last week’s European win over Bala Town.

Garry Buckley, Adam McDonnell and Karl O’ Sullivan came into the team from Sunday’s game with UCD in place of Nando Pijnaker, Max Mata and Frank Liivak.

Rovers started on the front foot with Karl O’ Sullivan crossing inside a minute for Will Fitzgerald to fire over.

The hosts looked to keep possession in midfield and move Rovers around but John Russell’s side defended brilliantly and threatened on the counter attack with some nice build up play through midfield.

The moment of the game came when O’ Sullivan’s high ball was headed back toward his own goal by Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi but Aidan Keena was on hand to intercept it and loft the ball over the back tracking Liam Kelly and into the net to send the Rovers support into raptures.

The hosts piled on pressure from there to half time but Rovers stood tall and defended well, with Luke McNicholas comfortable in goal and the back four making some important clearances to bring us to half time in front.

The second half started with the hosts again looking to keep possession in midfield and move through the thirds to try and get an equaliser.

Rovers stood firm and were a constant threat on the break however, pushing Motherwell further back toward their own goal.

Ross Tierney was introduced on the hour and caused some problems for Rovers with his forward runs, ending in a half chance for him which he shot wide. Callum Slattery and Josh Morris looked to keep Rovers on the back foot throughout but failed to created any major chances in front of goal.

Max Mata was introduced for Adam McDonnell midway through the half and the striker almost got in immediately when he was played in by Keena but couldn’t work the ball past Kelly in goal.

Will Fitzgerald headed just over from Karl O’ Sullivan’s cross soon after but the biggest chance came when Max Mata headed toward goal from Fitzgerald’s cross only to be denied by Jake Carroll on the line. Rovers had huge penalty appeals as it looked to have hit Carroll on the arm, but the referee waived away the appeals.

The Bit O’ Red withstood five minutes of added time and sealed a famous win at Fir Park ahead of next week’s sold out second leg at The Showgrounds.

Sligo Rovers can confirm that goalkeeper Edward McGinty has joined English League One side Oxford United for an undisclosed fee which could bring in a six-figure fee for the club.

Edward arrived at Sligo Rovers as a young goalkeeper in 2016 and progressed through our Academy before making his Senior Debut in Drogheda on the final day of the 2016 season.

Since then, McGinty has been almost an ever-present, playing in 105 matches for The Bit O’ Red First Team.

McGinty has been a fans favourite and also a very popular player among the First Team squad since his time here and the club wish to express our thanks and gratitude to Edward and his family.

It was a fitting occasion last Thursday night against Bala Town that Edward produced one of the best performances from a Rovers’ player ever seen at The Showgrounds, which ended up being his final Rovers’ appearance.

Manager John Russell:

‘’We were sorry to see Ed leave. It was emotional for everyone. Ed has been at this club for a number of years, and during that time we have seen him develop through our Academy and into our First Team where he became the number one goalkeeper.

Ed has got all the attributes to go to the highest level so we knew this day would come eventually.

He has worked extremely hard and given his all for Sligo Rovers.

We wish him all the best as he makes the next step in his career. He has left a great legacy behind, and our supporters will never forget his last game for the club.’’

CEO Colin Feehily

‘’It’s never nice to lose one of your players, especially when they have been at the club and developed themselves through the academy and into the senior team, but we all know this is a great opportunity for Ed and one that couldn’t be turned down. I remember Ed arriving here in 2016 as a young, enthusiastic goalkeeper, looking to progress his career through our Academy.

He was given his debut away to Drogheda on the last day of the 2016 season and he has grown since then to become a club great, having many great performances for such a young goalkeeper.

I have no doubt his passion and willingness to learn and desire to win will take him a long way in the game, and we wish him all the best with his future career’’.

Edward leaves The Showgrounds with the best wishes of everyone associated with the club.

Sligo Rovers take on Motherwell tonight at 7.45pm in Fir Park in The Europa Conference League Qualifying Second Round First Leg.

Motherwell progressed straight to this round following their League position in The Scottish Premiership last season while Rovers defeated Bala Town in the First Round.

There is expected to be large travelling support at the game with around 500 Bit O’ Red fans having secured tickets for the Tommy McLean Stand of the ground.

For those who cannot make it, the game will be streamed live for £12 via the link below:

https://ppv.motherwellfc.co.uk/

Sligo is expected to turn red and white this evening as people back home will cheer to lads on from home or at one of our local bars in the town centre.

Sligo Rovers fans are welcome in The Cooper Bar at Fir Park which opens from 5.30pm this evening.

The Bit O’ Red squad trained at Fir Park yesterday afternoon and are currently preparing for the game at the team hotel before departing for Motherwell later this afternoon.

Safe travels to all Rovers supporters.

The Bit O’ Red Academy had an action packed weekend of fixtures with each team playing on either Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Our Under 14’s took on UCD in Dublin and were narrowly beaten 3-2 at Marlay Park. Goals from Jamie O’Malley and Dean Casey weren’t enough to get any points.

Our Under 17’s scored through Sam Tuohy but ended up on the end of a 4-1 defeat against Bohemians.

Our Under 17 Women were defeated 3-0 at home to an impressive Wexford Youths team at Sean Fallon Centre and our Under 19 Men’s team were also beaten in Galway. A seven goal thriller ended up with the hosts winning 4-3. Rovers scored through Darragh Reilly, Niall Holohan and Patrick Montgomery.

On Sunday our Under 19 Womens team defeate Carlow/Kilkenny 7-1 away from home. A hattrick from Katie McGuire, two from Pixie O’ Hara and a goal each from Rebecca Doddy and Aine Gorman on her return to the club sealed the points.

Our Under 15 side were beaten 4-2 away to Waterford with goals from Callum Lynch and Johnny McGuinn proving only to be consolations.

On Tuesday, our Under 17 Men host Galway United at Sean Fallon Centre at 7.30pm.

Rovers Internationals Conor Walsh and Daniel Kelly were presented with their Irish International caps by Chairman Tommy Higgins on Sunday at the Mens game with UCD. Congrats to both players on receiving these memorable caps.

Alice Lillie from our Womens teams was recently called up to the Republic of Ireland Under 16 squad who will take part in the upcoming Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland.

Sligo Rovers host UCD on Sunday evening at The Showgrounds as we return to domestic action following two Europa Conference League games against Bala Town.

The Bit O’ Red won the tie on penalties after two pulsating encounters in Oswestry and The Showgrounds.

Rovers will have to assess the squad over the weekend as a number of players are doubts with some knocks picked up over the last fortnight.

Manager John Russell is in no doubt of the importance of the fixture.

‘’We have drawn with UCD in our previous two meetings so we know it’ll be another tough game tomorrow evening.

UCD are known for their attacking style of play so we’ll need to be at our best to get a positive result.

The players have recovered well over the last two days so we’re all looking forward to getting back out in front of our home fans tomorrow.

We know we need to keep winning matches to close the gap on the teams above us’’

UCD come into this game having had no game in ten days after their defeat to Bohemians at home, a game that ended 1-0 to the visitors.

In team news, there are a number of concerns for Russell heading into the game following Thursday night’s extra-time and penalties. Colm Horgan is definitely out, having sustained a hamstring injury while Seamas Keogh and Greg Bolger are expected to miss out also.

The game kicks off at 6pm and gates are open from 4.45pm.

Tickets to our home game against Motherwell will be on sale to those inside the ground from our Merchandise store on the left-hand side as you enter the turnstiles.

Athlone Town had to work hard for a 2-1 WNL victory against Sligo Rovers
at the Showgrounds with Gillian Keenan hitting the winner in the 86th minute.

Athlone started smartly and Roisin Molloy was denied by the crossbar inside 60 seconds to put the pressure on debut goalkeeper Farrah McDonagh who deputised for the unavailable Amy Mahon.

However, Sligo Rovers hit the front on eight minutes when a quick break from Emma Doherty unhinged the Athlone rearguard.

She played a precise pass wide to Gemma McGuinness on the edge of the Athlone penalty area and the Donegal woman finished superbly past Niamh Coombes at the far post.

Athlone raised the tempo and McDonagh advanced smartly to clear a good ball from Athlone before Orna O’Dowd blocked a shot from Madison Gibson soon after.

Gibson was rewarded in the 20th minute when she rifled home the equaliser from the edge of the penalty area.

Sligo Rovers had to replace the injured Amy Roddy with Ruth Monaghan midway through the half and the substitute was quickly into the action to deny Athlone’s Emily Corbett at the expense of a corner.

Athlone huffed and puffed for the remainder of the half, but it Was Emma Doherty who went close at the other end when a speculative effort skimmed the top of the Athlone crossbar 10 minutes from half-time.

Athlone resumed smartly after the resumption and created a couple of half chances that were well off target.

It remained 1-1 midway through the half and the hosts had a chance that was cleared, but there was nothing of any serious threat at either end.

Athlone continued to dictate, but were restricted to shots from frees that were off target and they also posed a threat from corners.

As Athlone continued to press, Lauren Boles blocked a free from Madison Gibson and needed attention in the 79th minute.

When play resumed Athlone eventually made the breakthrough in the 86th minute when Gillian Keenan  finished from a tight angle to secure a valuable three points.

Sligo Rovers – Farrah McDonagh; Leah Kelly, Orna O’Dowd, Amy Hyndman, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Emma Doherty, Alana Doherty, Amy Roddy, Kerri O’Hara, Paula McGrory. Subs – Ruth Monaghan for Roddy 23 mins, Katie Melly for A Doherty 57 mins, Helen Monaghan for Hyndman 79 mins.

Athlone Town – Niamh Coombes; Jessica Hennessy, Muireann Devaney, Gillian Keenan, Emily Corbett, Laurie Ryan, Madison Gibson, Roisin Molloy, Scarlett Herron, Melissa O’Kane. Sub – Kelly Brennan for Corbet 57 mins,

Referee – Joe Hession.

Assistant-Referees – Richard Storey, Keenan Deering.

Fourth Official – Sean Stephens.

Our Academy teams are all in action this weekend, starting with our Under 17 Mens team playing Bohemians away from home on Saturday at 2pm. The game takes place in St Aidan’s CBS in Dublin. The lads had a 1-0 midweek win over Athlone Town at The Sean Fallon Centre.

Our Under 14’s travel to UCD, also tomorrow at 2pm. The game takes place in Marlay Park. The lads are two defeats from their opening two league games but performances have shown there is much to be happy with.

Our Under 17 Womens team host Wexford Youths at 4.30pm tomorrow at The Sean Fallon Centre. Admission is free and we appreciate all support for the girls.

Our Under 19 Mens team travel to Maree in Galway to take on Galway United at 7pm tomorrow evening. The lads come into the game on the back of an impressive win away to Dundalk last weekend.

On Sunday, our Under 15 mens team face a long journey to Waterford with a 2pm kick off time against the Blues. The lads were beaten by Shelbourne at home last Sunday.

Our Under 19 Women travel to Kilkenny to take on Carlow/Kilkenny at 2pm, also on Sunday. The girls come into the game following a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Athlone Town last weekend.

The second half of the season resumes properly on Saturday for Sligo Rovers following an unexpected FAI Cup postponement last weekend after FAI Intermediate Cup semi-finalists Douglas Hall conceded a walkover.

That came seven days after Sligo Rovers returned to action with a narrow (1-2) defeat at Dalymount Park against Bohemian FC.

Rovers will be looking to improve on their last meeting with Athlone, which ended up in a 5-0 defeat at Lissywoolen, a scoreline which, on reflection, might have been a tad harsh.

The Bit O’Red has improved a certain amount since then as demonstrated with a 1-0 win against Wexford, but consistency is something that manager Steve Feeney is still trying to achieve.

Athlone Town had a game last weekend, a 7-0 FAI Cup victory against FAI Intermediate Cup semi-finalists Whitehall Rangers.

The previous weekend, when the WNL action resumed, Athlone managed a hard-earned 1-0 victory against Cork City with a second-half Corbet strike proving the difference.

This will be Athlone’s first visit to the Showgrounds for a WNL game and they certainly won’t underestimate the challenge that the hosts will provide.

After the first game in Athlone, Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney commented:

“Athlone have a bit of physicality about them and it will take us a bit longer to get to that level, but we are learning all the time, our players are working hard and over the course of the season that aspect of our game will improve, no question about it.

“We created two or three good chances and on another day one or two would have gone in, but not on this occasion. The real plus for me was the way we kept trying to play football.”

Some 15 games into the season it’s still a learning curve for the Sligo Rovers players.

Just how much they have progressed since that game against Athlone will be evident after another 90 minutes on the learning curve on Saturday.

For Athlone Town, they will be desperately looking for another three points to stay in touch and possibly move into second place if the results elsewhere are favourable.

Sligo Rovers take on Motherwell in next Thursday’s Europa Conference League Second Round First Leg at Fir Park.

Ticket details are as follows:

Tickets for Sligo Rovers supporters will be sold directly via Motherwell’s online ticketing platform.

You must use the following link to buy, and not through their website:

https://www.eticketing.co.uk/motherwellfc/Events?preFilter=20&preFilterName=European%2520Games&groupref=2&digest=e4e656119b924c26fc7f5a4eafb765a69c948b05fc4e92c498bbda236792a648

You will need to use the simple steps to create an account.

Away fans will be in the Tommy McLean Stand of the stadium.

Prices are £20 Adults, £15 for Over 65’s and Students and £10 for Kids aged 17 and under.

For enquiries you can use our contact us section on srfcdirect.com