Baraclough praises 'exceptional' display

Following Sligo Rovers emphatic 4-1 victory over Drogheda United on Saturday evening, Ian Baraclough spoke to the assembled press and expressed his delight after witnessing a performance expected from his players.

"It was a good performance, its pleasing after the fact that we've drawn the last couple of games here. Everyone was talking about how Drogheda were only a point behind and Shamrock Rovers were back on song and everyone's closing in on Sligo, but there was an intensity this week in training that suggested to me that we weren't going to lose this game and that was a performance we expected really."

Saturday's performance has widely been regarded as the League leaders most impressive of the season so far and Baraclough was pleased with the goals and discipline on show from his team.

"I was pleased with some of the goals, some of the play was exceptional and the discipline was fantastic because it could have been so easy to lash out to some of the intimidation the lads were getting, but remained calm, we did our jobs. They pulled a goal back but again we regrouped, made sure we were tight at the back and went on and got another goal which was pleasing because things could have gotten a little edgy and they weren't going to give up."

This game was of course their first without the injured Danny North and the Rovers boss felt his side made a point on the night that they are not reliant on their star striker for goals.
 

"Some of the stuff you read suggests our season is over with Danny North out which I felt was way off the mark. There was always goals in the team and Danny has just given somebody else a chance now. It was pleasing to see the amount of bodies getting into the box when it was in wide areas and some of the play was exceptional."
 

"We seen that building all through the week and when it comes to fruition on the weekend the its very pleasing and I think a lot of people have gone home happy tonight, not only with the result but it may have calmed a few nerves in the town a little bit among supporters but also seeing a really solid performance."
 

Despite scoring four goals with four different scorers on the night, many fans would still like to see a natural striker brought in and Baraclough has revealed he is looking at options and possibly bringing in more than one player before the August 31st deadline.
 

"I'm not going to talk about any names but we can still bring players in if they're out of contract and I'm talking all the time and looking all the time and if we manage to get one in, or two or three players then so be it."