1 v 0 
Viking FKVideo
Details
| Date | Time | League | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 August 2022 | 7:00 pm | UEFA Conference League | 2022/23 |
Match Report
Sligo Rovers bow out of Europe despite victory tonight
Sligo Rovers European campaign has come to an end, despite being victorious in the second leg over Viking at the Showgrounds this evening.
They had the luck when Will Fitzgerald had a deflected cross find its way into the net, but a missed penalty in the second half could have given them an increased level of hope.
Winners on the night had a much better showing, full of pride after the heavy defeat last week, they impressed as the question of what if would be raised after this fine showing.
In an opening half where Sligo needed to attack with intent, they were very timid, Max Mata who was tasked with leading the attack instead of the injured Aidan Keena, did well to have chances but failed to turn the ball into the net, his best chance was a header from a Paddy Kirk cross but it was straight at the keeper.
Mata was again looking dangerous in the area, He was unable to connect a header on target minutes later as the hosts had their backs to the walls in the opening half, Sligo had an appeal for a penalty but it was waved away, the jeers turned to cheers minutes later from the home faithful.
Will Fitzgerald did well to gather possession by the left-hand touchline, he looked to cross into the area but it was deflected by Viking defender Sondre Bjorshol, the deflection was enough to loop the cross over Patrik Gunnarsson in the goal, for a 1-0 lead before the half.
After their disappointing performance last time out, Sligo were much improved and very much controlled the tie, Mata turned provider in the 56th minute to set up Greg Bolger, his effort flew wide but danger signs still flashing in front of the Viking defenders.
Kailin Barlow looked a livewire when he came on, he attempted a volley from range which just went over the bar, before teeing up Frank Liivak to cross in the area, the danger was cleared but Sligo were certainly not giving up their ambitions of qualification.
Liivak failed to capitalise on a penalty for the hosts after he was hauled down in the area, the goalkeeper guessed the right way to save and did well to deny Mata from the rebound, the hosts disappointed not to add a second.
Sligo certainly deserve the win this evening, but ith plenty of chances they will be kicking themselves to have failed to make this a much tighter affair, the 1-0 scoreline not doing the Bit O Red justice.
Timeline
| 22. Max Mata | 13' | |
| Sondre Bjorshol | 44' | |
| 46' | Mai Traore Daniel Karlsbakk | |
| Greg Bolger Niall Morahan | 56' | |
| 7. Will Fitzgerald | 58' | |
| 61' | Kevin Kabran Niklas Sandberg | |
| Adam McDonnell Kailin Barlow | 62' | |
| 4. Shane Blaney | 72' | |
| 2. Lewis Banks | 75' | |
| 75' | Samuel Fridjonsson | |
| Will Fitzgerald Karl O'Sullivan | 79' | |
| Max Mata Cillian Heaney | 79' | |
| 79' | David Brekalo Kristoffer Lokberg | |
| 79' | Zlatko Tripic Edwin Austbo | |
| Robbie Burton | 83' |
Past Meetings
|
(3rd Qualifying Round)
5 - 1UEFA Conference League
Viking Stadion Viking FK v Sligo Rovers |
Ground
| The Showgrounds |
|---|
| The Showgrounds - Sligo Rovers F.C., Magheraboy Road, Knappagh Beg, Sligo, Sligo Municipal Borough District, County Sligo, Connacht, F91 P523, Ireland |
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.
All over in Sligo, the hosts are victorious but not enough on the night as they are out of the Europa Conference League, disappointed players at full time but a quality showing by Sligo this evening
Four minutes of additional time at the end of the half
Burton the fifth name taken in the book from the Bit O Red
Subs for Rovers as Cillian Heaney and Karl O’ Sullivan are on for Mata and Fitzgerald
A tussle on the sideline sees Lewis Banks and Samuel Fridjonsson booked
SAVED!!!!, Liivak has his penalty saved by Patrik Gunnarsson
PENALTY SLIGO LIIVAK IS FOULED
Another tough tackle results in a yellow card for Shane Blaney
Kailin Barlow has an effort from range that goes over, while Liivak crosses into the area but no one is there, and the keeper gathers
Sligo make a second change as Kailin Barlow replaces Adam McDonnell
Will Fitzgerald the second Sligo man in the notebook this evening
First change of the night as Niall Morohan replaces Greg Bolger
Another half chance for Sligo as they are controlling the half
The second half is underway, momentum with the hosts
No added on time as the half ends 1-0, the own goal gives Sligo hope in the second half
The biggest deflection off Sondre Bjorshol has given Sligo a 1-0 lead, Will Fitzgerald will not be getting that one!, Sondre Bjorshol with the own goal
Very tight so far in his half neither team have had many taking points, Sligo have come the closet but no joy yet
Mata has a chance, but the keeper is comfortable to save
First yellow of the game is shown to Max Mata on the edge of the Viking goal
Sligo starting bright in the opening 10 minutes, coming close to scoring but the chance goes wide, they are showing attacking intent
Sligo kick us off here
Ten minutes to kick off and a healthy crowd is expected in Sligo, trailing by four goals on aggreagte the first goal tonight will tell a lot, no Aidan Keena means another goal scorer must step up to the plate
Viking make one change as Mai Traore is to start up top ahead of Daniel Karlsback, interesting whether they line up with 3 or 5 at the back, having opted for a three-man wall last week
Nando Pijnaker comes into the backline to replace Garry Buckley, in one of four charges, elsewhere Robbie Burton replaces Niall Morahan, Max Mata starts ahead of Aidan Keena who does not feature in the matchday squad, while Frank Liivak starts ahead of Karl O'Sullivan, Adam McDonell has shaken off a knock to start in midfield
It is an uphill battle for Sligo to remain in European action, on the end of a 5-1 aggregate score they need a huge result tonight my name is Diarmuid Kearney and I will update all the action this evening