Credit:
Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers
- Alan Finn
- Thu, Oct 25 2012
SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers will finally lift the Airtricity League title tomorrow night, but first they must complete their final fixture of the season when they entertain last year’s Champions, Shamrock Rovers.
There are no fresh absentees for The Bit O’Red, with Alan Keane, Danny North, Iarfhliath Davoren,Seamus Conneely all still out injured while Danny Ventre is suspended. Mark Quigley returns from a calf problem.
Manager, Ian Baraclough, spoke to sligorovers.com ahead of the game where he hopes his side can finish off the season in style.
“There is nothing riding on the game for us, it will not affect the league position or the context of the season. We said it after the game in Drogheda that we will give ourselves the best possible preparation for the game and try to finish off the season in style.
“I thought nothing could top the heights of the St Patrick’s Athletic game of the drama and the tension and how that day unfolded but we’ve enjoyed the build-up to this week and the day that we’ve craved all year and a day the club has craved for so long.
“On Friday the supporters can come into the game with energy and enthusiasm and there will be no better sight that seeing the captain Danny Ventre lifting the trophy. The past eight months have been geared to this day so we want to be at our best.”
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Although their season may not have turned out as many anticipated, Shamrock Rovers still have something to play for tomorrow as they aim to claim 3rd place and a Europa league spot.
Ciaran Kilduff and Tommy Stewart have been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash while Shane O’Connor faces a late fitness test.
Speaking to shamrockrovers.com, Brian Laws looks forward to personally congratulating Ian Baraclough, whom he managed at Scunthorpe United, on his title triumph but he also intends on spoiling the party in Sligo.
"I am very much looking forward to the game on Friday. It will be good to get a chance to personally congratulate Ian Baraclough on his great achievement in winning the championship. But we won't be there just to make up the numbers.
“We will be looking to spoil their party by picking up a win and we also want to give our supporters who are travelling down something to cheer about on the night. We also want to end our season on a positive note."
Referee: A.Buttimer
MATCH STATS
The last time Sligo Rovers won the League title (1976/77), they also played Shamrock Rovers on the final day in The Showgrounds.
Sligo Rovers have are unbeaten in their last five games against the Hoops in all competitions.
Richard Brush has won the League with both sides in the last two seasons.
BETTING
Sligo Rovers evens; Draw 23/10; Shamrock Rovers 5/2.
MATCH PREDICTION
I can’t see Brian Laws spoiling the party. 2-0 Sligo Rovers.
Sligo Rovers injury news: Danny North (knee), Iarfhlaith Davoren (heel), Alan Keane (metatarsal), Seamus Conneely (hamstring).
Sligo Rovers suspension news: Danny Ventre.
Shamrock Rovers injury news: Ciaran Kilduff (throat infection), Tommy Stewart (thigh), Shane O’Connor (doubtful).
Shamrock Rovers suspension news: None.
