Sligo Rovers welcomed Finn Harps to The Showgrounds on Monday night for the first North West Derby of The 2022 season.

A cool, dry evening helped the attendance figure with over 2,600 turning out for our second home game of the season.

Both sides created little in terms of goalmouth opportunity in the opening stages with most of the game being played out in the middle third.

The game sparked into life on 14 minutes however, stand in skipper Adam McDonnell picked the ball up on the left and cleverly found winger Will Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald flicked the ball first time around a Harps defender to Aidan Keena who took a touch and unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom left corner past goalkeeper Mark McGinley.

Rovers created another opportunity ten minutes later, the impressive Niall Morahan ran through midfield and found Will Fitzgerald on the left. Fitzgerald beat a couple of Harps defenders before being snuffed out inside the area.

It was all Rovers at this stage and it was Morahan again the creator as he unleashed Karl O’ Sullivan down the right. Playing against his former club, he cut inside and shot straight at McGinley.

In the 42nd minute, Rovers made it two. O’ Sullivan was tormenting the Finn Harps backline and his cross from the right was only half cleared to Jordan Hamilton. The Canadian showed some neat foot work to lay the ball back to O’ Sullivan who got around his man and whipped in a low cross to Keena who touched perfectly to control the ball into his path and finish low into the far corner to double Rovers half time lead.

The second half was just three minutes old when Morahan’s long ball caused panic in The Harps defence and Keena ran onto the ball and his controlled left footed effort gave McGinley no chance to complete a magnificent hat trick.

Keena almost had a fourth when O’ Sullivan’s cross found him unmarked in the area but The Mullingar native couldn’t control his shot.

O’ Sullivan almost had a goal of his own when he pounced on a mistake in the visitor’s defence but McGinley got down well to deny him.

Liam Buckley made three changes with Mark Byrne, Paddy Kirk and Max Mata replacing Fitzgerald, O’ Sullivan and Keena who received a standing ovation from the home support.

Kirk was straight into the action as he was put through on the left hand side. He found Hamilton in the box but his shot was saved by McGinley. The ball rebounded to Hamilton but he couldn’t steer his effort on goal.

The visitors rallied late on and pulled a goal back through substitute Luke Rudden on 86 minutes to make it 3-1.

Next up for Rovers is a trip to Tallaght on Friday night to take on Shamrock Rovers (8pm).

Tickets are available online at https://tickets.shamrockrovers.ie/

All six academy teams were in action over the weekend as their respective seasons are now well and truly underway.

On Saturday our Under 17 Women’s team took the road to Dublin to take on Peamount United at PLR Park. This would be a difficult task against the Dubs but The Bit O’ Red finished up 4-2 winners thanks to goals from Ella Vahey, Rachel McGoldrick, Sorcha Feehily and Orna Murphy.

Also on Saturday our Under 14’s were defeated 2-1 in Derry. Daire McCabe scoring for Rovers, who won on the opening day but were narrowly defeated by The Candystripes.

Darragh O’ Reilly took his Under 17 Men’s team to Oranmore in Galway. In a tricky encounter the lads lost 2-0, although can take some encouragement from the game having created many chances.

Sunday was another busy afternoon with two games taking place at The Sean Fallon Centre.

First up our Under 15’s defeated Longford Town 4-2 thanks to goals from Callum Lynch (2), Conor Langan and Jayden Reynolds.

Our Under 19 Women’s team made it two wins on the bounce with a 3-1 win over DLR Waves. Katie McGuire’s brace and a goal from Rebecca Doddy sealed the three points.

Our Under 19 Men’s team were narrowly defeated by Drogheda United in Navan, having dominated for large spells.

Our Match Programme’s have proven to be a popular item for home & away supporters, with all copies of the Dundalk edition selling out last weekend.

Tonight’s programme has plenty of Bit O’ Red related content as well as some insight into our North West Neightbours Finn Harp’s squad for the 2022 season.

Our Match Sponsor is Expert Sligo who have an advert as part of their sponsorship. Electric Skyline sponsor the Match Ball.

We welcome Boyle Celtic Youths as our special guests. Players and coaches from The Roscommon club will be in attendance and we have a small write up and photo on the club inside the programme.

We have our regular articles from contributors Conall Collier, Keith O’ Dwyer and Stephen McLaughlin as well as photos from club photographer Michael Melly and Bit O’ Red media man James Fallon.

We list our 2022 Associate Sponsors, test your knowledge with a Rack Your Brains Quiz and have our usual other pages as well.

By yours inside the turnstiles from 6.30pm for just €4

A North-West Derby awaits tomorrow evening (Monday) at The Showgrounds as Finn Harps make the short trip from Ballybofey.

Rovers come into the game on the back of an impressive display on Friday night in Drogheda, winning 3-0 thanks to three first half goals from Lewis Banks, Jordan Hamilton and Will Fitzgerald.

Harps were defeated 2-0 by St Patrick’s Athletic at Finn Park on the same night.

Bit O’ Red boss Liam Buckley is in no doubt as to the test Harps will bring.

”We know what kind of test Finn Harps will bring tomorrow night. Ollie and the club have done a magnificent job recently and they are getting better and better each year. They’ve had a lot of ins and outs in the off season, like ourselves, and we’re expecting a difficult game.

I was thrilled with the first half display on Friday night and pleased with how we did from a playing point of view with some nice attacking play.

It was important we saw the game out professionally in the second half and I thought we did that and were fairly happy with how the game went.

The crowd against Dundalk in our last home game was fantastic and I would encourage all the supporters to come out and get behind the lads because they’re a great group and definitely working hard for the club’

In team news, there are no fresh injury concerns for Rovers, with Ed McGinty recovering from illness, a late call will be made on his availability.

Last three: Sligo Rovers:

Derry City (Drew 0-0), Dundalk (Drew 0-0), Drogheda United (Won 3-0)

Last three: Finn Harps:

Dundalk (Lost 3-0), Bohemians (Drew 1-1), St Patrick’s Athletic (Lost 2-0)

Kick off tomorrow is 7.45pm and tickets are available here https://srfcdirect.com/match-tickets/ for home supporters and here https://srfcdirect.com/away-tickets/ for Finn Harps supporters.

Rachel Doyle’s two-goal salvo midway through the second-half gave her the tag of super-sub as DLR Waves worked hard for a 3-0 victory against hosts Sligo Rovers in the Women’s National League today at the Showgrounds.

Close to 1,000 spectators witnessed the historic first home game in the WNL for Sligo Rovers and while manager Steve Feeney is still looking for that first win, it was a good day for the club as referenced by Sligo Rovers club stalwart and former secretary Mary McGowan at half-time.

She expressed her delight at the occasion and suggested that this would be a long-term project in conversation with Austin O’Callaghan of Ocean FM at the interval.

“This is not going to be a flash in the pan, this team will be, like the men’s team, here in 100 years, it’s a great occasion and there is a great sense of pride
around the project,” she stated.

It didn’t start well for the hosts who were a goal down to a speculative effort that crept inside the post after three minutes.

Avril Brierley found the net for DLR with that effort and she was a constant threat during that opening 45 minutes while a surging run
from Sarah McKevitt almost produced a second goal.

At the other end a 30th minute Emma Hansberry corner caused panic in the DLR six-yard box, but the danger was averted and then close to the interval a
Gemma McGuinness cross posed more problems as the hosts gained in confidence.

DLR lost team captain Jess Gleeson to injury in the 44th minute and she was replaced by Oleta Griffin.

The Rovers had chances within two minutes of the resumption with Aoife Brennan causing the problems on each occasion
for what was a relieved DLR rearguard.

McGuinness continued to pose a threat to DLR with some surging runs and visiting ‘keeper Eve Badana saved well on the hour when a Hansberry corner created a chance for the Bit O’Red.

Hansberry limped out of the action soon after and DLR manager Graham Kelly made a double substitution with Rachel Kelly and Kerri Letmon introduced.

Kelly made an instant impact heading home in the 68th minute and finishing from a free seven minutes later for her side’s third and clinching goal.

Sligo Rovers – Kristen Sample; Leah Kelly, Emma Hansberry, Orna O’Dowd, Amy Hyndman, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Emma Doherty, Aoife Brennan, Amy Roddy, Katie Melly. Subs – Sarah Kiernan for Brennan, Paula McGrory for Hyndman and Kerri O’Hara for Hansberry all 65 mins, Fiona Doherty for Melly 75m, Ruth Monaghan for Kelly 81m.

DLR Waves – Eva Badana; Nicole Keogh, Lynn Craven, Jess Gleeson, Fiona Donnelly, Katie Malone, Aoife Brophy, Avril Brierley, Sophie Watters, Shauna Carroll, Sarah McKevitt. Subs – Oleta Griffin for Gleeson 44 mins, Rachel Doyle for Malone and Kerri Letmon for Watters both65m.

Referee – Joe Hession.
Assistant-referees – Richard Storey, Keenan Deering.
Fourth official – Martin Cuddihy.

Report: Conall Collier

The Bit O’ Red travelled to Head in The Game Park last night to take on Drogheda United in The SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

It was the fourth game of the season for both teams, with the home side picking up three points against UCD last week after two defeats to Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers in their other two fixtures. Rovers were unbeaten going into the game after an opening day win over St Patrick’s Athletic followed by two draws with Derry City and Dundalk.

Liam Buckley welcomed back Greg Bolger and Robbie McCourt to the squad after missing the stalemate with Dundalk due to injury. Goalkeeper Ed McGinty was ill so experienced ‘keeper Richard Brush made his first start of the season in goal.

Buckley made three changes in total, with Jordan Hamilton and Max Mata making their full debuts in place of Aidan Keena and David Cawley.

Rovers started brightly and forced a corner in the 7th minute. Will Fitzgerald’s inswinger was glanced on and Lewis Banks was on hand to head home from six yards out to give The Bit O’ Red the lead.

Rovers created more chances after that with Karl O’ Sullivan going closest before Jordan Hamilton grabbed his first goal for the club on 17 minutes.

Good play down the left found Max Mata with time and space and the New Zealander found the Canadian who finished well from close range.

It was all Rovers at this point and some quick counter attacking play was pleasing on the eye for the 150 or so travelling supporters. The front four players were causing problems for the home defence and that was proved again in the 34th minute with some neat interplay ended up with Mata teeing up Hamilton to find Will Fitzgerald on the left. The winger drove toward the penalty area and unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner past Sam Long.

Mata then had a chance of his own. Garry Buckley’s long range through ball was perfect and Mata was through on goal. Long did enough to narrow the angle and save the strikers effort.

The second half started brightly for The Drogs and they were awarded a penalty on 49 minutes. A cross from the left was adjudged to have struck Buckley on the arm and Paul McLaughlin pointed to the spot. Defender Georgie Poynton stepped up but put his penalty wide of Richard Brush’s post. Brush, making his first appearance since the end of 2021, had a fine display in goal proving that Rovers’ goalkeeping department is certainly in safe hands.

Manager Buckley made five changes in the second half with David Cawley, Seamas Keogh, Shane Blaney, Aidan Keena and Mark Byrne all introduced for Mata, Hamilton, Buckley, Karl O’ Sullivan and Adam McDonnell.

In fairness to the home side they rallied until the end and went close on a couple of occasions. Rovers again threatened on the counter with Keena going close late on but the points were secure and we now move on to Monday night’s North West Derby with Finn Harps.

Kick off is 7.45pm and tickets are available a www.srfcdirect.com or at the turnstiles.

Tomorrow sees our first ever Senior Women’s National League match take place at 2pm at The Showgrounds against DLR Waves.

It promises to be an historic day for the club as we entertain the experienced from Dublin, with over 1,500 supporters expected to be in attendance.

Our community team have been busy in recent weeks getting to local schools and clubs to promote the day and we look forward to welcoming so many children and their families to the club tomorrow.

On the pitch, manager Steve Feeney’s team were defeated 6-0 on the opening day last weekend against one of the title favourites Peamount United at PLR Park.

The team have not let the result effect morale in the camp and all focus now turns to tomorrow’s fixture.

In team news, Emma Hansberry, Pixie O’ Hara, Jessica Casey and Emma Doherty all return to the squad after illness and injury last week. Yasmin Connolly is a doubt while Leah Kelly remains sidelined.

Feeney:

”It will be a great occasion for the club and the players especially. I know all their friends and families will be here as well as lots of supporters so we’re all looking forward to it. That said though, we have a job to do and we will be fully focused on the game.

While a 6-0 scoreline is not something we want to be on the wrong side of there was some positives to take in relation to our performance and attitude. We are only a couple of months into this journey and will continue to work hard to improve throughout the season. 

DLR Waves have been a quality side and having played them in pre-season we know what to expect from them. I know we can put on a good performance and get a positive result.

The game will be streamed live on LOI TV from 2pm and on Ocean FM Sport.

Tickets are just €5 for anyone over the age of 18 and we urge all our supporters to come out and support the team.

Season Tickets can be used for all WNL home games this season.

Our 500 Club Draw for January and February took place recently with twenty members being drawn out to win a cash prize.

Our 500 Club is one of the club’s most important fundraisers with over 500 members contributing just €20 per month to help towards the running of the club.

The winners were Cian Scanlon (January) and Eamon Kelly (February). Both members take away €500.

To become a member you can visit https://srfcdirect.com/fundraising/500-club/ or contact the club through shane@sligorovers.com

Draw results:

January:

1^st: €500: Cian Scanlon, Drumiskabole, Sligo

2^nd: €100: Norman Ashe, Strandhill Rd, Sligo

3^rd: €100: Michael McTiernan, Maugheraboy, Sligo

4^th: €100: Brendan Fitzsimons, Cairns Rd, Sligo

5^th: €100: Neil Kennedy, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

6^th: €100: Danny McHugh, Ballindine, Co Mayo

7^th: €100: Ken East, Ballincar, Rosses Point, Sligo

8^th: €100: David Daly, Brussels, Belgium

9^th: €100: Sean Dwyer, Cartron, Sligo

10^th: €100: Martin Foley, Castle St, Sligo

February:

1^st: €500: Eamon Kelly, Cairns Hill, Sligo

2^nd: €100: David Donegan, Catron, Sligo

3^rd: €100: Brendan Lacken, Dromard, Sligo

4^th: €100: Kevin/Rosaleen O’ Grady, Kevinsfort, Sligo

5^th: €100: Ronan Mulligan, San Francisco, USA

6^th: €100: Hugh Browne, Ballintogher

7^th: €100: Joseph Gilmartin, Church Hill, Sligo

8^th: €100: Liam McGettigan, Connolly St, Sligo

9^th: €100: Trevor Kelly, Cartron, Sligo

10^th: €100: Michael Toolan, Lavagh, Sligo

Congratulations to all members who won a prize and we wish to thank all our 500 Club members and 500 Club committee for their continued support.

Our academy teams are all in action this weekend with three away games and two at The Sean Fallon Centre.

On Saturday, Our Under 17 Women’s team travel to take on Peamount at 4pm in Dublin.

Also on Saturday, Our Under 17 men’s team face Galway United at 5pm in Oranmore.

Sunday sees three fixtures take place with our Under 15 boys at home at 2pm against Longford Town followed by our Under 19 Women’s team at 4:30pm against DLR Waves.

At 3pm in Navan, Our Under 19 men’s team take on Drogheda United.

All games are free to attend and all support is welcome.

Liam Buckley takes his squad to Head in The Game Park tomorrow night to take on Drogheda United in The SSE Airtricity League Premier Division. (7:45pm)

The Bit O’ Red will look to continue their unbeaten record this season after an opening day win over St Patrick’s Athletic followed by too stalemates against Derry City and Dundalk.

The home side, under new manager Kevin Doherty come into the game on the back of an impressive win over UCD last Friday night. The Drogs are also only in gameweek 4 of their season as their opening day fixture against Finn Harps was postponed in Ballybofey.

In team new, Liam Buckley welcomes back Robbie McCourt and Greg Bolger to the squad after both players missed out last Saturday’s game with Dundalk at The Showgrounds..

Liam Buckley said: “It was a tough start to the season facing three of the teams who’ll look to be competing at the top end of the table. I felt like we did well in those games and defended quite well, but we know there is also improvement in the group in relation to where we want to be.

“It was great for the fans to have the team coming back to The Showgrounds last weekend and to their credit they came out in big numbers to support us. Our last couple of away games we had a great away support and I’m sure tomorrow will be no different, we’re looking forward to it.

“Drogheda had a fine season last year and will be looking to do better again. They’ve lost some players but they’ve also added some quality and looking at them so far, we know we’re in for a difficult game.

Away fans can buy tickets online through Drogheda United’s website and the game will be Live on LOI TV.

Last three:

Drogheda United:

Shamrock Rovers (Lost 3-1), Shelbourne (Lost 2-0), UCD (Won 4-2)

Rovers:

St Patrick’s Athletic (Won 2-1), Derry City (Drew 0-0), Dundalk (Drew 0-0)