Soccer

Sligo Rovers aim to turn tables in Tallaght

Dave Robertson looks to keep up run and avenge opening-day defeat to Shamrock Rovers

Sligo manager Dave Robertson wants games to keep on coming
Sligo manager Dave Robertson wants games to keep on coming
Paul Buttner
Tue May 10 2016 - 00:03

With three straight league wins, Sligo Rovers won't lack confidence when they arrive at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night striving to avenge an opening-night defeat to Shamrock Rovers.

They didn't win any of their first eight games but Sligo's current form has manager Dave Robertson relishing two games this week following Saturday's 4-1 defeat of Wexford Youths.

“Once we’re in good form we want the games to continue coming,” said Robertson.

“The lads had a very good weekend. We’ll be going to play there with plenty of confidence in the team.”

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Robertson’s only injury concern is defender Tim Clancy (groin).

Following their fortuitous win in Longford on Saturday, Pat Fenlon’s Rovers continue without injured pair Luke Byrne and David O’Connor, while Max Blanchard is a doubt. Winger Trevor Clarke is in Germany with the Republic of Ireland under-18s.

Second-placed Cork City have defender Kenny Browne back from suspension as they look for a fifth successive win at Bohemians. However, injury deprives Cork manager John Caulfield of midfielder Gearóid Morrissey, while Eoghan O'Connell and John Kavanagh remain sidelined.

Three defeats

Without a goal in their last four league games, which includes three defeats, Bohemians wait on winger Ayman Ben Mohamed, who came off with a groin strain in Friday's 0-0 draw at Finn Harps. Striker Ismahil Akinade, Jason Caffrey and Adam Evans remain out.

Bookmakers have third- bottom Bray Wanderers a staggering 16/1 to win at champions Dundalk, who are four points clear at the top following five consecutive wins.

Defender Sean Harding returns from suspension for Bray, though an ankle injury rules out Paul Finnegan, while Dean Kelly (groin) and Ryan Brennan (hamstring) are struggling to be fit.

Tonight comes too soon for Dundalk midfielder Patrick McEleney as he nears full fitness following a hamstring injury.

Captain Stephen O’Donnell and strikers Ciaran Kilduff, along with O’Connor brothers Ciaran and Michael, remain out injured.

PREMIER DIVISION (7.45 unless stated)
Bohemians v Cork City Home: 11/2; Draw: 11/4; Away: 11/20
Derry City v Finn Harps (Live on Setanta Sports, 8.0) Home: 11/20; Draw: 11/4; Away: 11/2
Dundalk v Bray Wanderers Home: 2/11; Draw: 11/2; Away: 16/1
Galway United v St Patrick's Athletic Home: 9/5; Draw: 2/1; Away: 17/10
Longford Town v Wexford Youths (8.0pm) Home: 7/5; Draw: 23/10; Away: 19/10
Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers (8.0pm) Home: 21/20; Draw: 11/5; Away: 14/5