Credit:
Sligo Rovers -v- Sporting Fingal
- P.J. Murray
- Thu, Sep 09 2010
Sligo Rovers have the opportunity to leapfrog their Friday night opponents into fourth place with a win at the Showgrounds while Sporting Fingal will look to continue their recent good run of form. (kick off 7.45)
Fingal come into this match on the back of a 0-0 draw at home to reigning league champions Bohemians while Sligo will be looking to put a 1-0 loss away to Shamrock Rovers behind them.
So far this season Sligo have failed to beat any of the top four sides in their last 13 attempts. In the three meetings of the sides two have ended in 1-1 stalemates while Fingal recorded the only win of the miniseries.
For Paul Cook’s men their preparation for this match couldn’t be any worse, Padraig Amond’s move to Portugal has dealt them a serious blow while Romauld Boco picked up an injury while on Intrenational duty and will need assessment before the match. Midfield duo John Dillon and Gary McCabe are also doubts for Friday night while Mauro Almeida and Richard Brush are out for the rest of the season. On a positive note Paul Cook has no suspension worries.
Liam Buckley will make the trip without defender Ger O’Brien while his only other fitness worry comes in the form of is Shane McFaul, missing from last week’s scoreless draw against Bohemians with a bruised foot. He will undergo a pre-match fitness test.
Speaking ahead of the clash Fingal manager Liam Buckley recognised the importance of the clash. “Paul Cook’s Sligo side play a decent brand of football and, like us, always seem to create scoring chances. There are eight league games remaining and this game is important for both teams in the context of chasing European qualification spots. Irrespective of the outcome, though, I’ve no doubt there will points dropped by all the teams in the run-in.”
“I spoke recently about the importance of having a fully fit squad at this point of the campaign, so the loss of Ger O’Brien is a blow. Once we have the bulk of our team available, I’m certain we can finish out the season strongly.”
Sligo Rovers:
Injured: Richard Brush, Mauro Almedia
Doubtful: Romauld Boco, Gary McCabe, John Dillon
Suspended: None
Sporting Fingal:
Injured: Ger O’Brien
Doubltful: Shane McFaul
Suspended: None
Referee: D. Tomney
Extratime.ie Prediction: A 1-1 Draw
About P.J. Murray
P.J. generally covers Drogheda games at HD Park and can generally be found at any Dublin ground when of a loose end on a Friday night.