Baraclough delighted with Sligo display

New Sligo Rovers manager Ian Baraclough’s has praised his Sligo Rovers players after their 2-0 win atgainst Belfast side Glentoran in the Setanta Cup quarter-final first leg. The former Scunthorpe manager told Extratime.ie of his delight with how his side adapted to the new system he has introduced to the team.

“It’s important to win on your first game. I thought the lads played really well, first half especially. I asked them to play a system I don’t think any of them have played before and they adapted really well and it complements the attributes of most of the players.”

Baraclough’s predecessor Paul Cook is often spoken of as the man who taught Sligo to play passing football and Rovers displayed some stunning football against Glens. He admitted that he was disappointed they didn’t notch another goal or two but said it was more important for Richard Brush to keep a clean sheet as away goals count for double in the cup.

“I don’t know what I’m compared to but I think the lads all enjoyed going out there and playing and showing what they can do. It would have been nice to take one or two more goals to Glentoran in a couple of weeks but it wasn’t to be. The clean sheet was the main thing. It was important not to concede.”

With such a small squad, any injury is a big worry for Sligo. They were without both Iarfhlaith Davoren and Raffaele Cretaro for last night’s cup game. Jason McGuinness, a stalwart in defence, was taken off at half-time but it was just pre-cautionary.

“He felt his hamstring tighten up a bit. It was precautionary rather than having to come off but it allowed David Cawley to go in there and make his debut. He did really well as well. It’s important that the young lads get used to playing with the guys. It’s not a big squad so one or two injuries and you’re in to the young lads. But listen, they’re there. They’ve got to play, it’s great for their education and David Cawley will have come on leaps and bounds after those 45 minutes.”

Baraclough was very complimentary of his players and said that some English sides could learn a lot from them as they want to get the best out of their bodies and said that they are “a great group”. Cold Monday nights do not always attract large crowds but the attendance at The Showgrounds for this fixture was 2145. Speaking about the crowd, the former Leicester City player said he was impressed, adding that they “seem knowledgeable” as they stay patient when the team are passing the ball around.