Cara King was chosen as our Womens Under 17 Player of The Year for 2022 and was presented with her award by our Under 17 Womens Main Sponsors Avenue Mould Solutions at last night’s Senior Men’s game against Derry City at The Showgrounds.

Presenting the award was Gemma McDonagh from Avenue.

Cara has had many impressive displays throughout 2022 and helped her team reach the Under 17 Women’s Semi-Final where they lost to Cork City a fortnight ago.

Avenue Mould are based at Finnisklin and employ around 90 people and remain and important employer in the county.

The company are Under 17 Womens sponsors from this summer to at least the end of the 2023 season.

We wish to thank Avenue Mould for their support and we congratulate Cara on winning her award.

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that midfielder Kailin Barlow has extended his stay at the club until the end of the 2025 season, meaning the young Sligo man will stay at the club for at least another three seasons.

Barlow has broke into the first team this year, making his debut against Finn Harps as a second half substitute at The Showgrounds back in June and has since played a number of games for the team domestically and in Europe.

Barlow made his first competitive start against Wexford FC in the FAI Cup back in July and made his full SSE Airtricity League debut against Dundalk on Friday night at Casey’s Field in our 3-3 draw with The Lillywhites.

Kailin has scored 13 goals at Under 19 level this season under manager Declan Boyle and has been an important part of the club’s academy set up through the last number of years, since joining as an Under 15 player.

Manager John Russell is pleased to secure Barlow’s signature:

‘’I’m delighted that Kailin has extended his contract with the club.

‘’Kailin has huge potential. He has already shown his quality in our league games this season as well as during our European run in the summer.

‘’He has a real willingness to learn and improve which is essential for all young players. I’m sure the fans will be excited to see him develop and progress over the next few seasons’’.

Barlow:

‘’I am over the moon to have extended my contract here at the club.

‘’I have played a good few games this season and for me it’s just about keeping my levels up and improving under the management here and progressing again next year and beyond and helping the team.

‘’I have supported the club since a young age and, I love playing in front of the supporters and hopefully I can keep getting as many games as I can and, we can all do well together.

‘’The Academy here has been a big part of my development and young players will always have a chance to progress into the first team as we’ve seen down the years and that was very important for me.

‘’We want to finish the season strong and get as many points as we can”.

The Bit O’ Red are in League action this evening against Derry City and Barlow will once again be part of John Russell’s matchday squad for the fixture.

We host Derry City 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/ (Home fans only)

Away tickets are with Derry City FC

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.

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.

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 take on Derry City tomorrow (Monday) night in our penultimate home game of the 2022 League of Ireland Premier Division season.

It will be Rovers’ second game in three days following our 3-3 draw in Dundalk on Friday night.

The Bit O’ Red were twice ahead in the game after Frank Liivak opened the scoring after twenty minutes and Max Mata put us ahead again with seven minutes remaining after Aidan Keena had brought us level following two Dundalk goals in between his and Liivak’s strikes.

Former Rovers player Keith Ward got on the end of a John Martin knock down in stoppage time to bring Dundalk level but, Rovers can be happy with their overall performance and manager John Russell looks forward to another game tomorrow night.

‘’We were all disappointed to concede a late equaliser on Friday night but, the players put in a really good away performance and there were good signs again on our progress.

‘’Tomorrow night we welcome Derry who have been in great form in recent months.

‘’It will be a tough game but it’s one we’re all looking forward to.

‘’We want to finish the season strong’’.

The sides have met on three occasions so far in 2022 and nothing separates them in terms of results. A 0-0 draw back in February was followed by a 2-1 win at The Showgrounds for Rovers thanks to a 90^th minute Seamas Keogh winner.

Will Patching’s free kick back in September was enough to earn his side a 1-0 win at The Ryan McBride Brandywell in the last meeting of the teams.

Garry Buckley (Knee), Mark Byrne (Knee), David Cawley (Hip), Shane Blaney (Ankle) and Luke McNicholas (Knee) remain out with injury.

After a tough 90 minutes on Friday night, Russell may make some changes to freshen the team up as we go into our final three games of the season and remain in fifth spot in the League table.

We will remember our former security member Rodney Horan before the game with a minute silence after his passing this week. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this time.

Gates open at 6.30pm.

Shelbourne took the Women’s National League points with a 2-0 win against Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park to stay in the title-race with one game remaining

Sligo Rovers were on the backfoot for most of what was a must-win encounter for the hosts and they scored early and late to seal the victory in an encounter they dominated.

Abbie Larkin had Shelbourne in front after only three minutes when she finished to the net from a Jess Gargan cross.

Shelbourne dominated the remainder of the half and had plenty of chances, with Noelle Murray going close and Sligo ‘keeper Amy Mahon making a number of saves.

Amy Boyle-Carr had a half-chance for Sligo Rovers in the 39th minute when she tested Amanda Budden while at the other end Murray should have increased Shelbourne’s lead when she waltzed into the penalty area and blazed over the bar.

Shelbourne had to settle for a 1-0 interval lead, but resumed smartly and Larkin headed a good chance over the bar soon after the restart.

Amy Boyle-Carr created another good chance in the 55th minute when she ran almost the full length of the pitch before firing narrowly wide.

However, the pattern remained with Shelbourne continuing to dominate without hitting the target.

Megan Smyth-Lynch had a chance midway through the half, but once again Amy Mahon saved.

The hosts continued to labour in their efforts for a second goal and Larkin was yellow-carded for a challenge on Lauren Boles.

Then Alex Kavanagh was cautioned for her reaction after referee Declan Toland awarded a free to the Bit O’Red in the 73rd minute.

Shelbourne continued to squander chances with Murray off target in the 80th minute, but Larkin eventually added a second goal in the 81st minute.

Shelbourne – Amanda Budden; Jess Gargan, Jessie Stapleton, Pearl Slattery, Shauna Fox, Alex Kavanagh, Abbie Larkin, Noelle Murray, Megan Smyth-Lynch, Keeva Keenan, Leah Doyle.

Subs – Rachael Graham for Kavanagh 78 mins, Jemma Quinn for Murray and Heather O’Reilly for Keenan both 85m, Emma Starr for Smyth-Lynch 88m.

Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Leah Kelly, Aife Haran, Amy Roddy, Sarah Kiernan, Lauren Boles, Gemma McGuinness, Paula McGrory, Katie Melly, Emma Doherty, Amy Boyle-Carr. 

Subs – Kerri O’Hara for Kelly 78 mins, Amy Hyndman for Boyle-Carr and Fiona Doherty forMelly both 85m, Laura McLellan for McGrory and Aoife Brennan for E Doherty both 87m.

Referee – Declan Toland.
Assistant-referees – Alan Dunne, Fintan Butler,
Fourth official – Sarah Dyas.

Report: Conall Collier

Photo: Sportsfile

Sligo Rovers travelled to Casey’s Field in Dundalk on Friday night in our second-last away game of the 2022 League season to play Dundalk in front of just over 2,000 supporters.

Rovers were without a number of players due to injury with Garry Buckley, Mark Byrne, Luke McNicholas and David Cawley all out for the remainder of the season and Shane Blaney and Niall Morahan injured also.

Lewis Banks came into the back four in place of Blaney to partner Nando Pijnaker at centre back. Kailin Barlow was handed his first league start by manager John Russell in place of Niall Morahan.

Both sides looked to keep possession early on and little or no chances were created until Rovers forced a corner and Adam McDonnell’s cross was headed onto the Dundalk post by Kailin Barlow but Frank Liivak followed up and blasted the rebound into the top corner to give Rovers the lead.

The lead lasted around fifteen minutes as Dundalk midfielder Alfie Lewis equalised with a fine effort from twenty yards, his left footed shot finding the top corner of Richard Brush’s net.

The sides remained level at half-time at 1-1.

Nine minutes into the second-half and the hosts took the lead. Bruno Hauge ran down the right wing and his cross went all the way to the back post for youngster Ryan O’ Kane to take a touch, steady himself and fire home.

John Russell brought on Max Mata in attack in place of Kailin Barlow after an hour and Rovers looked to push forward to find a leveller.

Aidan Keena dropped a little deeper with Mata the lone striker and it was Keena who found space on the left before dribbling into the area past two Dundalk defenders and firing an unstoppable shot into the far left corner to level matters again on 76 minutes.

Rovers regained the lead just six minutes later. Max Mata got on the end of Frank Liivak’s through ball and the New Zealander steadied himself and rolled it into the corner past goalkeeper Shepperd, much to the delight of the travelling Bit O’ Red supporters.

Karl O’ Sullivan and Seamas Keogh were introduced in the final few minutes in place of Robbie Burton and Liivak as John Russell looked to bring on some fresh legs.

There seemed to be little danger of a home equaliser until the 92nd minute. Andy Boyle sent a long ball forward and striker John Martin won the flick on and it fell to Keith Ward who side-footed it home past Brush to give his side a share of the spoils.

Next up we host Derry City on Monday at The Showgrounds at 7.45pm.

Photo: Sportsfile

Our 2022 Academy season comes to a close on Sunday afternoon as our Under 19 Mens team host Waterford at 2pm at The Sean Fallon Centre.

All other teams have now concluded their seasons last weekend and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our players and staff for their commitment once again this year.

Sunday’s game is free to enter and all support is welcome.

Sligo Rovers travel to Tolka Park this weekend for another huge game in the Women’s National League (WNL) where they will tackle title-chasing and
defending champions Shelbourne.

The Bit O’Red lost to leaders Wexford last weekend, but were well in the game until the final 10 minutes when they were exposed as they pushed for an equaliser and conceded two goals in the space of a minute.

Shelbourne manager Noel King will have his players totally focused for the visit of Sligo Rovers and won’t need reminding that they were 2-0 to the good at the Showgrounds last July, but ended up on the wrong side of a 3-2 scoreline in front of the TG4 cameras.

The formbook suggests that Shelbourne will have too much firepower for the newest team in the WNL, but that formbook would also suggest that Sligo Rovers will have a real go at taking the three points home from Tolka Park.

Steve Feeney’s side can score goals, as they proved against the WNL leaders Wexford last weekend and against Shelbourne the last time they met.

The Sligo women also take a very positive attitude into each game and always endeavour to play good football.

The physicality of the top teams was an issue for the Bit O’Red in the early part of the season, but that is something they have addressed as the season progressed.  

However, Shelbourne will still be expecting to take the points, but they had to work hard for victory against DLR Waves last Saturday as goals from Megan Smyth-Lynch and Jessie Stapleton helped them to a hard-earned 2-1 victory.

The Dublin side know that they must win this game on Saturday to  keep the destination of the title in their own hands.

Sligo Rovers will also want to get something out of the game to stay ahead of ninth-placed Cork City and also to boost the prospects of victory for the last game of the season on home turf  the following weekend against DLR Waves.

LAST TIME:
RESULT

Sligo Rovers 3, Shelbourne 2

TEAMS

Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Leah Kelly, Ruth Monaghan, Orna O’Dowd, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Emma Doherty, Kerri O’Hara, Paula McGrory, Amy Boyle-Carr, Helen Monaghan. 

Subs – Sarah Kiernan for R Monaghan 33 mins, Emma Hansberry for McGuinness and Jessica Casey for O’Hara both 73m, Fiona Doherty
for E Doherty 85m.

Shelbourne – Amanda Budden; Jess Gargan, Jessie Stapleton, Pearl Slattery, Shauna Fox, Alex Kavanagh, Rachel Graham, Megan Smyth-Lynch, Keeve Keenan, Leah Doyle, Emma Starr. 

Subs – Noelle Murray for Kavanagh, Heather O’Reilly for Keenan and Abbi Lareekin for Smyth-Lynch all 60 mins, Izzy Glennon for Starr 78m, Lia O’Leary for Doyle 85m.

Sligo Rovers take on Dundalk FC tomorrow (Friday) night at Casey’s Field at 7.45pm in The SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

The game is Rovers’ 33^rd League game of the campaign and John Russell’s side currently sit in fifth spot in the Premier Division table.

The penultimate away game of the 2022 season will be a difficult one says Manager John Russell:

‘’Dundalk away is always a tough fixture. They have shown some good form at home this season so we know it’ll be a difficult game.

We come into the game after a good performance and win over UCD.

The players showed a real hunger and desire to win the game and we expect the same again on Friday night.

It’s important we finish the season strong’’.

In team news, Garry Buckley and Mark Byrne remain side-lined long term along with Luke McNicholas and David Cawley.

Max Mata missed Rovers’ last outing against UCD a fortnight ago but returns to the squad tomorrow night. Niall Morahan is a doubt with an ankle injury picked up in training this week.

Rovers also play on Monday night when we welcome Derry City to The Showgrounds in a game which was postponed from last weekend due to The Candystripe’s involvement in the FAI Cup Semi-Final.

Tickets for tomorrow night are on sale over on Dundalk’s website and you can find them on the below link:

https://embed.futureticketing.ie/c/dundalk-fc/

The game is Live on LOI TV and Commentary can be heard on Ocean FM from 7.45pm.

Sligo Rovers Academy are holding trials for our Under 14 Boys squad for the 2023 National League season on Saturday November 5th from 2pm-4pm at The Showgrounds astro pitch, The Sean Fallon Centre.

Players must have been born in 2009 in order to be eligible to attend.

Players should fill in the form below to register for the trials.

After filling in the form, you are free to attend on the day.

FORM: https://forms.gle/WaZJZhNJefFNqf5ZA