Sligo Rovers -v- Bohemians

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Sat, Jun 08 2013




SLIGO ROVERS

A depleted Sligo Rovers squad are set to welcome Bohemians to the Showgrounds on Saturday evening. The current Airtricity League Premier Division Champions are in 2nd place, five points off leaders Pats although Ian Barraclough's men do have  a game in hand.


 

The home side for this tie have a number of injury and suspension problems that will cause a reshuffle to the usual starting line-up fielded by the Bit O'Red. Lee Lynch, Evan McMillian (who is also suspended), Raffaele Cretaro and Danny Ventre are all expected to be ruled out until after the mid season break concludes due to injury.


 

Anthony Elding who for the second time in his League Of Ireland career was dismissed has been hit with a four game ban. This comes after he was awarded a red card for an off the ball incident against Dundalk in the champions last game.


 

In brighter news for Sligo, Danny North returned to action off the bench in a friendly during the week so he is expected to once again be named among the substitutes. Seamus Connolly is also now once again fit and is expected to make his return to league action.


 

Speaking prior to tonight's fixture manager Ian Baraclough had this to say about taking on a young Bohs side.

 

"Aaron has a young squad and it is credit to him that he has steadied the ship after off-field problems for Bohemians in recent years. They have a good record on the road with just three defeats in 11. The likes of St. Patrick's Athletic, Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers have been held by them this season and while results have not been as good as they would have liked overall, they will be a big threat to us on Saturday.

 

"The onus is on us at home to win the game, to take the game to Bohemians and we have got to break them down. It will require patience and the right attitude from the team to do so. We're looking forward to the game and our focus is firmly on getting the right result on Saturday night.”


 

BOHEMIANS

Manager Aaron Callaghan was disappointed that his side crashed out of the cup at the hands of Drogheda by such a big margin so he will be hoping that his side can secure an upset and gain some much needed points down in Sligo. Bohs are currently sitting in 11th place in the table but a win will guarantee they move up one position to 10th position.


 

Callaghan introduced young U19 striker Adam Kelly to the first team set up last week and expects him to be involved for the remainder of the season. He most likely won’t feature in this clash as he is working towards upping his fitness levels with Callaghan stressing that he is looking to use him more for next season rather than the current one.

 

Owen Heary who has clearly been missed by the North Dublin club in recent weeks faces a late fitness test on a hip injury. Joining Heary on the late fitness test rota will be Keith Buckley and Luke Byrne due to both players picking up knocks over the past week. Derek Pender, another experienced team member, is ill and will most likely not be available for selection on Saturday evening. Adam Mulligan on the other hand is definitely out due to a family commitment.


 

Aaron Callaghan is more than aware that Sligo may not be able to start with a recognised striker but insists that this game will be just as difficult as any game they will play this season.


 

“It’s not over from their point of view. The gap at the top could be closed with a couple of results going against Pat’s. And it’s certainly not over for us.


 

“If we can replicate the intensity shown in training on the pitch and get Owen [Heary] back with his experience, I can see things turning around for us, no problem,”


 

Referee: Paul Tuite.


 

MATCH FACTS

Sligo Rovers are unbeaten in their last six encounters with Bohemians.


 

The last time Bohs recorded a victory over the Sligo men was in August 2011 when they came from behind to win 2-1 in the Showgrounds.


 

Bohs have an average win ratio against Sligo of one win in every three games between the sides.


 

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 1/4; Draw 9/2; Bohemians 9/1.


 

PREDICTION

Going to go for a 1-1 draw in this game due to Sligo’s long list of injuries and suspensions along with the fact that they have no recognised striker available for the course of this game.


 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Lee Lynch (hamstring), Evan McMillan (knee), Raffaele Cretaro (hamstring) and Danny Ventre (leg).
Suspended: Anthony Elding, Evan McMillian


 

Bohemians

Injured: Derek Pender (illness), Adam Mulligan (family commitment).
Doubtful: Own Heary (hip), Luke Byrne, Keith Buckley (Hamstring).
Suspended: None.