League Preview: St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Sligo Rovers

St. Patrick’s Athletic

The Saints host Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park on Friday evening, and will be full of confidence after last weekend’s dominant victory over Shelbourne.

The opening night of the season did not go to plan for Damien Duff’s new side. St. Pat’s tore up the script with a resounding 3-0 win at Tolka Park.

19-year-old Darragh Burns opened the scoring in the first half, with an early contender for goal of the season.

New signing Mark Doyle got off the mark in the second half, before Jay McClelland’s strike sealed three points for Tim Clancy’s side.

The FAI Cup winners met Sligo Rovers four times last season. Their first encounter in 2021 saw Ian Bermingham rescue a point through a 96^th minute header. The Saints won the second 2-0 before Liam Buckley’s side won the final two meetings of last season.

Speaking to the club’s media before their first home game of 2022, manager Tim Clancy said that he expects large crowd at Richmond Park on Friday.

“I am looking forward to it,” said Clancy

“We have had two huge crowds for the two away games we have played so far. I think there was 1,700 in Tallaght for the President's Cup and we had 900 fans at Tolka Park, so I am looking forward to the first game at home in Inchicore on Friday night.

“Because of the weather in the west over the last couple of weeks, we missed getting to see Sligo play so you can look at it as a positive that we have had a few competitive games, and they haven't, but it's also a negative that we didn't get to see them play before going out on the pitch against them."

Sligo Rovers

After finishing third last season and securing European football this summer, Liam Buckley will be hoping his side can build on that in 2022.

It was busy transfer period at the Showgrounds, with Rovers making seven new signings. The losses of Johnny Kenny to Celtic and John Mahon to St. Johnstone will be significant, but Buckley will hope that the likes of Will Fitzgerald and Nando Pijnaker will help fill the gaps.

Friday’s trip to the capital will be Sligo’s first league game of 2022, as last weekend’s home game against Bohemians was postponed due to Storm Eunice.

Speaking to the club’s media ahead of the game, manager Liam Buckley said that he expects a tough battle, and hopes that the new arrivals can make an impact.

“The first game brings a nervous energy which is useful, and we retain that for Friday night,” said Buckley.

“St Pat’s have played two matches when you include the President’s Cup. That stands to any team because the competitive games bring you on.”

“We look at it that we have had one more week to be patient and work hard and get ready for what will be a very difficult game. We’d love to get a result like we did at the end of last season, and we’ll be doing our utmost to get one.”

“I like the balance we have in our squad. It allows us some flexibility and we’ll take each game on an individual basis over the season. We’re pleased with the players we’ve brought in. They’ve got a desire to excel at the football club for themselves and the group. We’re looking forward to seeing them starting on Friday.”

Referee: Ben Connolly

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers beat St. Pat’s twice in the league last season. They secured European football on their last visit to Richmond Park after a 3-0-win last November.

Sligo Rovers drew their opening match of last season. Romeo Parkes’ strike earned a point at home to Dundalk.

Friday’s league game will be Tim Clancy’s first at Richmond Park, after taking charge at Tallaght Stadium and Tolka Park in the past fortnight.

PREDICTION:

St. Patrick’s Athletic 2 - 1 Sligo Rovers

St. Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: None

Doubtful: Ronan Coughlan, Paddy Barrett

Suspended: None

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

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— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) February 24, 2022