Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

• Simon O'Gorman
• Thu, May 05 2011


Shamrock Rovers entertain Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Friday with the visitors needing a positive result if they hope to kick start their challenge for the 2011 league title. (Kick off, 8pm)

Much as expected it is the current league champions Shamrock Rovers who top the table after ten rounds of league games, but the widely anticipated challenge from last seasons FAI and EA Sports Cup winners, Sligo Rovers, has not yet come to pass.

After last Friday’s defeat at UCD Sligo lay fifth in the table, six points behind the league leaders. More worryingly, their performances lacked the combative edge of prospective league challengers and they were beginning to come under pressure from sections of their support who had entered the season with high expectations.

However, a 3-0 win over Derry City at the Showgrounds on Monday afternoon was followed by an impassioned response from Sligo boss Paul Cook that may indicate that his side are on the cusp of a reawakening.

Cook had some harsh words for the club’s more impatient supporters but also acknowledged that his team had shown the kind of battling qualities against Derry that may have been missing from earlier performances.

So far this season Sligo have been beaten three times by Michael O’Neill’s side, twice in the Setanta Cup and once in the league, losing 1-0 at the Showgrounds on the second weekend of league action. However, the four point gap between the ‘Bit o’ Red’ and the Hoops could be narrowed to one with a win on Friday night.

For this fourth meeting Cook will have to plan without defender Gavin Peers who was sent off on Monday night against Derry with Derek Foran likely to step in at centre back. Apart from that the Liverpudlian has a full fit squad to choose from.

Shamrock Rovers continue to be without hamstring victims Gary Twigg and Stephen O’Donnell while Chris Turner and Craig Sives have a slight chance of returning to action. The Hoops come into the game on the back of a four game unbeaten run and having collected four points from their bank holiday weekend. In all, they have lost only once so far this year, keeping five clean sheets and conceding no more than a single goal in any one game.

Michael O’Neill was disappointed not to gather all three points at Dundalk on Monday where Karl Sheppard scored his third goal in three games. Rovers were denied a late penalty appeal in a game that was somewhat marred by the strong wind but, following Derry’s defeat at Sligo, O’Neill’s men sit three points clear at the top of the table.

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Stephen O’Donnell, Gary Twigg (both hamstring).
Doubtful: Craig Sives, Chris Turner.
Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Gavin Peers.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.
Paddy Power Odds: Shamrock Rovers 19/20; Draw 11/5; Sligo Rovers 3/1.
Extratime prediction: A 2-2 draw.