League Report: Sligo Rovers 2 – 0 Longford Town

Goals in each half from Walter Figueira and Jordan Gibson, from the penalty spot, saw Sligo Rovers inflict another defeat on Longford Town and in doing so they moved to within two points of league leaders Shamrock Rovers.

Figueira’s goal came somewhat against the run of play on 17 minutes while the penalty that was awarded to Sligo just before the hour mark appeared harsh; it was more ball to hand, than hand to ball. Gibson made no mistake putting away the spot-kick.

It was another performance where Town created chances but just couldn’t put them away. They’ve won just one game this season; at home to Derry City on the opening night of the season. 

The visitors settled into the game quickly and had the better of the chances in the opening quarter and they really should’ve put them away. On six minutes Rob Manley picked the ball up, turned and his shot just went over the bar.

Minutes later Lewis Banks hit his shot straight at Town ‘keeper Mick Kelly. Dylan Grimes came close to breaking the deadlock on 12 minutes; Manley played the ball back to Grimes but his effort went just inches over.

On 17 minutes the home side broke the deadlock when Figueira’s excellent strike beat Kelly. Sligo had half chances after that while Aaron Dobbs headed over the bar from a Grimes corner on 34 minutes and just before the break Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty had to be alert from another Grimes corner.

On 57 minutes the home side were awarded a penalty when the ball bounced up and hit Paddy Kirk’s hand, referee Ben Connolly pointed to the spot and Gibson put the ball past Kelly.

Town tried to get back into the game and despite having possession they failed to create anything that would trouble McGinty in the Sligo goal.

A free from Aodh Dervin was easily saved by the Sligo netminder and minutes later a Grimes free was headed clear by John Mahon.

Gibson should’ve done better with his shot in the second minute of stoppage time while right at the end Romeo Parkes came close to grabbing a third goal for Sligo but his strike just whizzed over the crossbar.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan (Shane Blaney 77), Garry Buckley, John Mahon, Robbie McCourt; Ryan De Vries (Romeo Parkes 64), Niall Morohan, Lewis Banks, Jordan Gibson; Johnny Kenny (Regan Donelon 80); Water Figueira.

Subs not used: Richard Brush (gk), Mark Byrne, Cillian Heaney, Scott Lynch, Peter Maguire, John Russell.

Booked: Ryan DeVries (63), Niall Morohan (87), Jordan Gibson (88).

Longford Town: Mick Kelly; Shane Elworthy (Karl Chambers 57), Aaron O’Driscoll, Joe Manley, Paddy Kirk; Dylan Grimes, Aaron Robinson (Aaron Bolger 65), Aodh Dervin, Callum Thompson (Conor Davis 74); Aaron Dobbs, Rob Manley (Sam Verdon 74).

Subs not used: Lee Steacy (gk), Dean Byrne, Mick McDonnell, Matthew O’Brien, Dean Zambra.

Referee: Ben Connolly 

Extratime.com player of the match: Garry Buckley (Sligo Rovers)

League Report: Dundalk 2 - 1 Shamrock Rovers https://t.co/UTWNZzOomWpic.twitter.com/FMycRxc9fd

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) May 21, 2021