Sligo Rovers -v- Vorskla Poltava

• Diarmuid Kelly
• Wed, Aug 03 2011


Sligo town will be awash with colour on Thursday night as Sligo Rovers welcome FC Vorskla Poltava to the Showgrounds (kick-off 5.45pm) in the return leg of their Europa League Qualifier. Sligo put in a determined display that didn't lack in luck either, to come away from the Ukraine with a 0-0 score line. Indeed Vorskla, who sit in second place behind annual Champions League participants Shaktar Donetsk in the Ukrainian League will rue their luck in not scoring at home and to be heading to the West of Ireland without an advantage.

That is of no concern to Paul Cook however, and he has no injury or suspension worries ahead of the all important second leg. The manager spoke with respect to another clean sheet (Sligo Rover have only conceded 10 goals in the Airtricity League), "There has been a lot made of our defensive record. We’re fortunate that we have top-class defenders at the club and they have done very well. But I also think that anyone who knows football knows luck plays a major part in it."

In the first leg, Sligo were against the ropes particularly in the opening stages with their Ukrainian counterparts adept at the technical side of the game. In Sligo however, they meet possibly the most technically gifted Irish team playing football and Cook expects an open encounter, "For the first 15 minutes in Poltava we were under plenty of pressure, they were cutting us open constantly and we were fortunate not to concede. Vorskla will create chances this week because they are a very, very good side. They move the ball very well. It is important we remain patient and for our supporters to do likewise. I think there will be goals and we know what we have to do to get through."

The Showgrounds had to pass UEFA regulations in order to host this encounter, a inconvenience that FAI President John Delaney offered money out of his own pocket to ensure had no bearing on the venue for the fixture. The Showgrounds had to be fitted with further seating to bring the overall capacity to 3,600 and to ensure an all seater venue. After meeting the UEFA stipulations and being given the green light to host the encounter Cook was in buoyant mood regarding the City welcome for the travelling Ukrainians, "The pitch is fantastic, the people of Sligo are very welcoming and they have top class preparations in travel and accommodation. But I think the atmosphere from the crowd will take people’s breath away. There isn’t a ticket to be found in Sligo now and that is a wonderful complaint to have because it shows how far we have come. It would be fantastic to win the game and we’re all looking forward to it."





Sligo Rovers
Injured: None
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None
FC Vorskla Poltava
Injured: Unavailable
Doubtful : Unavailable
Suspended : Unavailable

Referee: Gediminas Mažeika (LTU)
Referee: Gediminas Mažeika (LTU)

Paddy Power Odds: Home 13/8 Draw 9/4 Away 11/8

Extratime Prediction: 1-0 for Sligo Rovers and the defensive record to continue.