League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers' Greg Bolger and Shamrock Rovers' Graham Burke in action during Sligo's win in Tallaght last May

Sligo Rovers' Greg Bolger and Shamrock Rovers' Graham Burke in action during Sligo's win in Tallaght last May Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops welcome the last team to beat them in league action in Tallaght when Sligo Rovers play on Friday on Whitestown Way (kick-off 8pm).

The Bit O’ Red won in Dublin 24 in mid-May – their first league win in Tallaght since 2013 - but in the return fixture in October the home team won 2-0.

Stephen Bradley’s side come into the game on the back of last week’s 1-0 home win over Bohs and a scoreless draw in Dundalk last Monday when, with Alan Mannus out with illness, Leon Pohls kept his first clean sheet for Rovers in the Premier Division.

“It was definitely an entertaining 0-0,” said Bradley when speaking to shamrockrovers.ie. “We had quite a number of chances and they had one or two as well. On the balance of it, as they got a chance right at the end. I think a draw was probably a fair result.

“We were fully in control of the game in the second half and created a number of chances so there’s a lot of positives to take away from the game. Only for the keeper (Dundalk's Nathan Shepperd) making some fantastic saves, you win the game.”

“The performance up in Dundalk on Monday night, after a tough game (against Bohs), was good. Maybe we were a little bit slow getting started but once we settled, we did well and created chances in the second half. 

“There’s still lots of improvement and lots to come from the group but there have been really encouraging signs early on in the season.”

The Hoops Head Coach has a full squad to chose from after both Alan Mannus and Sean Gannon have recovered from illness and Ronan Finn, Neil Farrugia and Sean Kavanagh are back from injury.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be looking to go into next week’s international break top of the table if results go there way on Friday. The Bit O’ Red are unbeaten so far this season and are just a point behind St. Patrick’s Athletic who lead the early season table.

They come into the game on the back of wins over Drogheda United (3-0 away) and at home to Finn Harps (3-1).

“We were happy with the way the two games went on Friday (Drogheda) and Monday (Harps),” said Liam Buckley speaking to his club’s media team.

“I felt we played well in large spells of both games, but, as ever there is room for improvement. We have a good depth to our squad with everyone playing for places and that is great for us.”

Aidan Keena bagged a 35 minute hat-trick in the home win over Harps and Buckley hopes that the Sligo supporters will enjoy their trip to Tallaght on Friday.



“I am lead to believe we will have a large away support on the night which will be great for the lads and we’re looking forward to it.

“Shamrock Rovers had a great season last year and they’ve added some real talent again this season so we know how difficult the game will be. We have been playing well ourselves and go there knowing we can get a result.”

He will have a full squad to chose from as goalkeeper Ed McGinty returns from illness while former Shamrock Rovers player Greg Bolger has recovered from injury.

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers have yet to suffer a defeat this season and the Hoops have won all three of their home league games.

Aidan Keena has scored four in total in the league and is level in the goalscoring charts with Derry City’s Jamie McGonigle and Dundalk’s Steven Bradley.

Graham Burke is top scorer for the Hoops with two goals.

PREDICTION

2-1 home win 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: None 

Suspended: None

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

    About Macdara Ferris

    Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile