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

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be hoping to bounce back from their first Premier Division defeat of the season when they host St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds on Monday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Bit O’ Red were undone by an Adam Foley goal for Drogheda in their Weavers Park defeat.

But boss John Russell has backed his side to respond in the correct manner against the Saints.  

He said: “St Pat’s have brought in a lot of quality players over the off season.

“Last season our games against them were always tight affairs and we’re expecting no different tomorrow night.

“’We were very disappointed with our performance against Drogheda last Friday.

“We reviewed the game and identified areas where we need to improve.

“This game on Monday gives us the perfect opportunity to bounce back. I know the quality we have in the squad and, we’ve seen positive signs in our first two games.”

Greg Bolger has been rated as a doubt for the game while Garry Buckley, Gary Boylan and Mark Byrne remain sidelined.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

After slumping to a humiliating 5-0 loss away to Dundalk on Friday night, St Pat’s return to action on Monday in Sligo.

The Saints could not cope with Dundalk’s set-pieces or attacking play – as they fell to their heaviest league defeat since their 4-0 loss at home to Derry City last year.

And boss Tim Clancy admits his side must turn in a much-improved showing if they are to pick up any result at the Showgrounds.

He said: “We know our performance in Dundalk on Friday was not good enough, we conceded really soft goals at really bad times and we know we need to improve.

“We've got another game against Sligo tomorrow and we've got to bounce back quickly and try to get the three points.

“Our supporters travelled up to Oriel Park on Friday night in big numbers again and what they saw wasn't good enough so we are looking for a massive reaction.”

Danny Rogers and Harry Brockbank are ruled out alongside Adam Murphy.

But new signings Dean Lyness and Axel Sjoberg may feature after signing last week.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

MATCH STATS

St Patrick’s Athletic have not claimed a win at the Showgrounds since February 2020 when they claimed a 2-0 win.

Ronan Hale and Chris Forrester both scored for the then Stephen O’Donnell managed side.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2 - 1 St Patrick’s Athletic

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Garry Buckley, Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne

Doubtful: Conor Walsh, Greg Bolger.

Suspended: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: Adam Murphy, Harry Brockbank, Danny Rogers.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.