Ian impressed by players' approach

Sligo Rovers manager Ian Baraclough was full of praise for his side after they continued their unbeaten run with a victory over Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday.

Speaking to ExtraTime.ie, the former Scunthorpe manager said that he has been very impressed with his players’ attitude since his arrival.

“That’s six games gone and we’re yet to be beaten which is important. We’ve only dropped two points which is fantastic. All credit to the fellas because it was a difficult time over pre-season with me coming in at such a late stage, just a few days before the start.”

It couldn’t have been easy for anybody, wondering what’s going to happen, wondering if I’m going to like them as players, whether I’m going to change things around. They’ve been top class since I’ve come in and we’ve managed to work hard and get some work done but more importantly we’ve gone and won games.”

Rovers had initially taken the lead in the first half but Bray equalised meaning that it was level at half-time. The Bit o’Red did emerge from the dressing room at half-time with more urgency but Baraclough insisted that his half-time team talk was calm and that there was no shouting.

“It (half-time talk) was very positive. I didn’t think we were doing too much wrong, there was one or two things that we could have done better which we went and spoke about. There was no voices raised and everything was very positive.”

Former Grimsby man Danny North has been in flying form for Sligo and it was his goal on Friday that gave Rovers all three points. Baraclough said he is delighted with North’s contribution so far this season.

"I know Danny from my time in England, he came on trial at Scunthorpe and I was there. I know he has goals in him, he’s in a rich vein of form at the moment. He doesn’t look as if he’s going to miss at times. I was surprised he missed that one in the first half when he was in on goal. But, if you put the ball in the right area, he’ll invariably be in the right place. Tonight, it was a great finish.”

Defender Jason McGuinness has been missing through injury for Sligo Rovers and Baraclough is hopeful that he will be back for the next few games.

“It was touch and go whether or not he would have been right for today. I wasn’t going to risk him, it was too important. Hopefully he’ll be alright for next week.”