Baraclough maintains unbeaten record

He may be a new face in Irish football, but Ian Baraclough seems to have settled into his job as manager of Sligo Rovers quite well as he extended his unbeaten start to four games with a 1-0 victory over Bohemians and he was delighted in particular with his side's 100% record at home so far.

"It's important we kept the home run going, three wins from three games so it gives the lads impetus to go into games full of confidence. It was a hard earned win tonight because Bohs came and set up to make it difficult for us and they did it well, they were very organised. It was a credit to the manager and players there but we've got to get used to that because teams are going to come here and try and make it difficult for us first and foremost and maybe hit us on the break so one we've got to pass the ball quicker and brighter and two we've got to concentrate when we've got possession so that we don't leave the back door open."

With games coming thick and fast already with the Airtricity League and Setanta Cup, Baraclough admits a couple of players could do with a rest and sit out of Tuesday's game with Glentoran.

"We haven't assessed what injuries and niggles there are, but I think maybe one or two players need a rest. The League is the most important thing but the Setanta Cup is a big trophy to go and win and I'd like to go and win it if possible so I'll have to see, it's too early to assess. The players are in for light training tomorrow morning so we'll assess them then."

There were some worries for Gavin Peers as he looked to be struggling at times during the second half. Ian revealed that the centre-back had been ill for the last 48 hours and to play at all last night was a true credit to his mental strength.

"Gavin Peers has been ill for the last 48 hours, so for his to get off his bed and play tonight was a credit to him and shows his attitude and shows he's mentally strong and I thought he played really well tonight having known what he's gone through in the last couple of days."
 

The Bit O'Red's next league encounter will be a trip to Gortakeegan to face Monaghan United and Ian admits he doesn't know a great deal about Roddy Collins side but he looks forward to finding about them for himself.

 "I'm being told little bits and bobs about Monaghan, but I think people are holding things back not to scare me, but I look forward to finding out for myself, if you're going to go and do anything in the League you've got to go to places all over Ireland and try and win games so it doesn't matter whether it's on grass, on mud, on astroturf you have to go and do it."
 

With a limited squad and two suspensions already, Baraclough admits it can be a struggle at times but just has to get on with it.

"You would like to go and change a few things and you certainly like to see an impact from the bench if things aren't going right because I like the players to understand two or three different formations.
 

We had to go and change it tonight a little bit. You are limited at the moment to what personnel you can put on so yes it is difficult but the cards are there, they've been dealt and I've got to go play the hand."