Details

Date Time League Season
18 February 2023 7:45 pm LOI Men's Premier Division 2023

Match Report

Sligo rescue point at the death against 10-man Shamrock Rovers

A late late strike from debutant Lukas Browning earned Sligo Rovers a 1-1 draw against ten man Shamrock Rovers who had lead through a fine Graham Burke first half effort this evening in the opening round of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

In an exciting first half with both sides testing both keepers it was a 17th minute strike from Graham Burke which put the champions ahead before Browning’s effort gave him a dream debut for the Bit O’Red.

Shamrock Rovers did show the most quality in possession throughout the entire game but they just couldn’t match the intensity and effort shown by the home side who earned a deserved draw on the night, particularly after the questionable dismissal of Roberto Lopes.

They can also count on at least five outstanding saves from Alan Mannus to deny the home side all three points.

The game’s first meaningful chance was in the first two minutes saw a great ball from Rover’s talisman Jack Byrne find Neil Farrugia in space on the right wing. His run brought him into the box where he found Graham Burke but Luke McNicholas was down smartly to make the save at his near post.

Max Mata had the crowd on their feet moments later but his effort was off target and hit the side netting much to the disappointment of the bulk of the capacity crowd in The Showgrounds.

Mata and Frank Liivak both had great opportunities in quick succession to open the scoring as Mannus showed his class to deny both Bit O’Red forwards.

Somewhat against the run of play it was the visitors who struck first as Burke picked up the ball inside the Sligo half. His prayers were answered when the Sligo defence opened like the Red Sea in front of Moses and he calmly finished into the bottom corner from the edge of the box despite the best efforts of McNicholas in the Sligo goal.

Trevor Clarke had another opportunity to double the champions lead midway through the half but his rifled effort just went over the bar with McNicholas seeming to have the angles covered.

The Hoops did grow more dominant as the remainder of the half played out at a frantic pace with chances a plenty as both sides launched counter attack after counter attack. 

New Recruits fullbacks Reece Hutchinson and Johan Brannefalk both looked dangerous in attack but some stray passes in the final third really showed their freshness in the squad.

The second half opened with a shout from the home side for a penalty as Kailin Barlow hit the deck under pressure from a defender but match referee Damien MacGraith was not interested in their appeals. The counter attack almost gave Dylan Watts a chance to double the visitors advantage but his effort was high and wild.

The game really burst into live when an innocuous coming together of Roberto Lopes and Kailin Barlow. The home crowd went wild and after a lengthy discussion MacGraith reached for the back pocket and Lopes’ night was done.

Sligo failed to take advantage of the extra man, an amazing point-blank range save from Mannus from the boot of Will Fitzgerald, which to everyone’s amazement failed to result in the obvious corner for the home side. 

The home team created a number of late quality chances and enjoyed long spells in the Hoops half during the closing quarter of an hour but it looked as if the wouldn’t find a breakthrough, two penalty appeals waved away, the first a clear simulation from Barlow which went unpunished before a handball shout was also waved away.

With the final play of the game, a poorly cleared corner dropped to Lukas Browning on the edge of the box and his excellent first touch set up an opportunity which he wouldn’t pass up. His right foot effort settled into the bottom corner of the net to sent the majority of the massive crowd of 4,263 into raptures.

Sligo Rovers

1Luke McNicholas Goalkeeper
2Johan Brannefalk Defender
4Reece Hutchinson 3 Defender
6Greg Bolger 18 Midfielder
7Will Fitzgerald Midfielder
10Frank Liivak 11 Forward
19Lukas Browning-Lagerfeldt Midfielder 90+5'
76'
27Max Mata Forward
28Nando Pijnaker Defender
34Kailin Barlow 14 Midfielder 68'
41Eanna Clancy Defender 65'
30Richard Brush Goalkeeper
3Danny Lafferty 4 Defender
5James Finnerty Defender
11Fabrice Hartmann 10 Midfielder
14Karl O’Sullivan 34 Forward
18Stefan Radosavljevic 6 Forward
21John Mahon Defender
22David Cawley Midfielder
35Sean McAteer Midfielder

Shamrock Rovers

1Alan Mannus Goalkeeper 90+7'
4Roberto Lopes Defender 67'
5Lee Grace Defender 23'
6Daniel Cleary Defender
7Dylan Watts 16 Midfielder 79'
10Graham Burke 15 Forward 17'
18Trevor Clarke 24 Defender
19Markus Poom Midfielder
20Rory Gaffney 27 Forward
23Neil Farrugia Midfielder 88'
29Jack Byrne 17 Midfielder
25Leon Pohls Goalkeeper
9Aaron Greene Forward
14Simon Power Midfielder
15Darragh Nugent 10 Midfielder
16Gary O’Neill 7 Midfielder
17Richie Towell 29 Midfielder 67'
24Johnny Kenny 18 Forward
27Liam Burt 20 Midfielder
31Kieran Cruise Defender
  • 95'

    And they've knocking on the door since Lopes' dismissal. Sligo have equalised and have secured a well deserved point in The Showgrounds.

  • 90'

    There will be a minimum of 5 minutes added time here.

  • 86'

    Two penalty shouts here as Sligo Rovers chase an equaliser but the visitors have been equal to everything thrown at them.

  • 85'

    Two penalty shouts here as Sligo Rovers chase an equaliser but the visitors have been equal to everything thrown at them.

  • 79'

    Dylan Watts leaves the fray after picking up a booking. He's replaced by Gary O'Neill as Jack Byrne makes way for Richie Towell.

  • 77'

    Lukas Browning makes his way into the book for a wild challenge on the edge of the Sligo box. The home side deal with the danger well.

  • 73'

    A great move from Sligo saw the ball come back off the bottom of the post from a Kailin Barlow strike as the home side grew into the encounter.

  • 68'

    Shamrock Rovers are down to 10 men, appeals from the crowd caught the attention of the match referee and Roberto Lopes recieved his marching orders from MacGraith to give the home side hope.

  • 67'

    Eanna Clancy collects the first booking of the game for an over zealous challenge.

  • 65'

    Former Bit O'Red star Johnny Kenny makes his Shamrock Rovers league debut to a muted response as Liam Burt and Darragh Nugent replace Clarke, Gaffney and Burke

  • 60'

    Frank Liivak is replaced by Fabrice Hartmann who makes his debut seven months after his arrival last summer.

  • 60'

    Graham Burke has a snap shot from the edge of the box, but it's deflected wide for a corner. The visitors in no rush to restart proceedings here as they wait for a replacement ball.

  • 55'

    Shamrock Rovers are enjoying the lion's share of the possession here but the industry and effort from the home side has been impressive. Kailin Barlow is showing why he was selected this evening, not shy away from the physical challenges and not backing down to his more experienced opponents when challenged.

  • 48'

    Kailin Barlow is bundled over in the Shamrock Rovers box but the referee, Damien MacGraith is not interested. The Hoops immediately break but Dylan Watts can't keep his effort on target.

  • 45'

    Half time here and it's a single strike from Graham Burke that separates the sides here. The visitors can thank their keeper Alan Mannus for three impressive saves in the first half.

  • 40'

    Signs of new recruits getting to know each other as Sligo are proving wasteful on their occasional visits to the final third. Some decent greenshoots though as they try and get back into this game.

  • 36'

    Both sides beginning to tire a little here as Shamrock Rovers start to dictate the pace a little more. Sligo's pressing game has been levelled back as they continue their pattern of giving away silly free kicks. It's getting a little harder for the home side to build any momentum here.

  • 31'

    It's end to end stuff here as both sides are attacking at will. A great run from Reece Hutchinson including a fine interchange with Will Fitzgerald left space for Rory Gaffney to exploit at the other end. This game will create plenty of chances for both sides.

  • 29'

    The game has settled after a frantic period for both sides. A decent attack for the home side results in a deflected Mata effort finding the hands of Mannus who gathers.

  • 24'

    Trevor Clarke had the best opportunity as he found himself in space on the edge of the Sligo box, his strike had McNicholas at full stretch but just wouldn't come under the bar.

  • 23'

    A lovely move from Sligo Rovers as Will Fitzgerald finds Frank Liivak on the right wing, he bursts past Lee Grace who pulls him to the ground just outside the box for an attacking free for the Bit O'Red but Rovers deal with the set piece. A great response from the home side after dropping behind.

  • 17'

    And we have a lead strike. Graham Burke ran unopposed through the Sligo defence which opened in front of him like the Red Sea and found the far bottom corner despite the efforts of Luke McNicholas in goals. Slightly against the run of play.

  • 14'

    Great Sligo pressure saw two fantastic changes from a series of corners, first from a Will Fitzgerald effort from just outside the box which forced a spectacular diving save from Mannus and a scrambled effort where Frank Liivak forced another great save from the former Northern Ireland international keeper.

  • 13'

    A great chipped ball over the top from Swedish fullback Brannefalk found Mata in acres of space by Mannus was equal to it turning around the near post.

  • 10'

    Shamrock Rovers earn a corner after a blocked effort. The volleyed effort from Watts doesn't trouble McNicholas in the Sligo goal.

  • 7'

    The crowd are on their feet as Max Mata hits the side netting but the New Zealander had put his effort to the outside of the post after Sligo pounced on a defensive mistake from the Champions defence.

  • 3'

    A quick break from the home side sees the ball fall at the feet of Kailin Barlow who can't keep his shot from the edge of the box on target.

  • 2'

    First meaningful chance sees a great ball from Jack Byrne find Farrugia in space. His run brought him into the box where he found Graham Burke but McNicholas gets down to make the save at his near post.

  • Aaron Greene of Shamrock Rovers get us under way here in Sligo.

  • The teams are on the pitch and we're having a minutes applause for the supporters of both clubs who have passed away in the off season. Just a minute to kick off here.

  • The crowd and atmosphere is building here as the historic ground is expected to be at capacity for the return of Johnny Kenny to The Showgrounds. The Riverstown native who's namesake dad Johnny also starred for the club may make his league debut for the league champions this evening should he be called from the bench this evening. He will be expected to get a mixed reaction from the Bit O'Red supporters should he feature.

  • Stephen Bradley features just two of his new additions in the starting line up as Trevor Clarke and Marcus Poom start for the defending champions who are aiming for the best possible start to their attempted four in a row challenge.

  • Manager John Russell has named a young team with exciting local talent Eanna Clancy and Kailan Barlow making the starting side ahead of more experienced campaigners. Former Hoop Greg Bolger captains the side from central midfield as the home side boast four debutants in their side.

  • And you're welcome to The Showgrounds for the opening night of both Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers with both sides currently warming up with just under 30 minutes to kick off here in the north west with a expectant sell out crowd eager to see the new recruits for the home side.

Past Meetings

(Round 31)
1 - 3
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers 1-3 Shamrock Rovers

(Round 23)
3 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers

(Round 13)
1 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers

(Round 7)
2 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers

(Series 31)
2 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers

(Series 20)
0 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers

(Series 13)
0 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers

(Series 4)
1 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers

(Semi Final)
2 - 0
FAI Cup
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers

(Series 14)
4 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers

(Series 5)
2 - 3
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers

0 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

0 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

2 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

3 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

2 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

2 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

0 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

1 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

1 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

1 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

1 - 0
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

3 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

3
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

2
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

1 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

5 - 1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

1 - 2
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

1
LOI Men's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers FC v Shamrock Rovers FC

1
LOI Men's Premier Division
Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers FC v Sligo Rovers FC

Ground

The Showgrounds
The Showgrounds - Sligo Rovers F.C., Magheraboy Road, Knappagh Beg, Sligo, Sligo Municipal Borough District, County Sligo, Connacht, F91 P523, Ireland

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