League Preview: Sligo Rovers - v - Longford Town

Sligo Rovers are still seeking their first win of the season when they welcome Longford Town to the Showgrounds on Saturday night (kick off 7.45pm).

SLIGO ROVERS

Tuesday evening saw Sligo Rovers exit the EA Sports Cup at the hands of Derry City with the Candystrips winning 2-0 at The Brandywell.

The loss means the Bit O’Red are without a win in eight weeks. The last time manager Dave Robertson tasted victory was on 24 February 2016 when his side beat Athlone Town in a pre-season friendly 2-0.

Opponents Longford Town sit just one point above the Bit O’Red in the table with five points, so Saturday’s match is a real six-pointer.

It’s easy to pinpoint Sligo’s trouble during this turbulent two months. Scoring goals has been an issue. So far Rovers have only managed three; Liam Martin, Chris Lyons and Gary Boylan are the only players to find the back of the net.

Speaking to sligorovers.com in the buildup to the game, manager Dave Robertsonsaid that he has “a lot of respect for Longford."

He continued: "I have watched their last two games. They played a 4-4-2 against Dundalk but switched to a 4-5-1 to play Derry City. So there is a couple of ways that they can play. As with all opponents we will be giving them full respect, and they deserve that respect."

However, Sligo have managed to gain results against teams they might have been expected to have trouble against. Amongst their four draws, they have taken points from Cork City, Galway United, Finn Harps all at The Showgrounds plus an impressive away point against St. Patrick’s Athletic.

LONGFORD TOWN

The Town find themselves in a very similar position to Saturday’s opposition Sligo Rovers. Despite an opening day victory away to Wexford Youths, the side have struggled this season in the SSE Airtricity Premier League.

Their 6-0 defeat away to Cork City in March really highlighted the extent of the teams troubles.

Manager Tony Cousins has a youthful squad and there has been flashes of the team improving. Last time out the Town managed to hold second placed Derry City at the City Calling Stadium.

Despite a resolute and determined performance, a winner for the boys from the midlands didn’t arrive during that match and they still search for their first home win of the season.

Longford will be hoping for a win on Saturday and to create a little bit of history for the club as the Town have never won a Premier Division match at The Showgrounds in nine attempts. 

Referee:  David McKeon.

MATCH STATS

The corresponding match last season was Joseph Ndo’s and Gavin Dykes’ first game as the then permanent Sligo Rovers management team.

That match finished in an entertaining 3-2 win for Rovers over the Town. Goals from David Cawley, Keith Ward, Dinny Corcoran saw Sligo take a 3-0 lead, while Mark Salmon and Dean Kelly replied for Longford on that occasion.

Currently Sligo Rovers are the only team in the league without a win so far this season.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 7/10; Draw 23/10 ; Longford Town 9/2.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 3-1 Longford Town

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Gavin Peers

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None.

Longford Town

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None.