Rovers remain in European hunt
Conor Malley of Sligo Rovers in action at Tolka Park. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Sligo Rovers and Shelbourne played out an entertaining goal less draw in Tolka Park last Friday evening which a result which did little to dent the aspirations of either side. Shels remain top of the league while Rovers remain in the hunt for an European qualification spot.
In team news there were two changes to the Rovers side that had beaten Dundalk the week previous with Jack Henry Francis and Luke Pearce coming in for Gareth McElory and Wilson Waweru. The inform striker injured his ankle and it looks like he will be out for the rest of the season.
Rovers had won their last two league games against Shels and the league leaders were looking for their first win in six. They nearly took the lead in the 21st minute when Harry Wood threaded a great ball from midfield into the path of Ali Coote and he was denied from close range by Rovers keeper Ed McGinty.
Two minutes later and it was Rovers who should have broken the deadlock. Henry Francis with a ball out right to Will Fitzgerald. He switched it to his left foot and crossed into the box where the ball fell for Pearce who drilled it low and straight at Shels keeper Conor Kearns.
McGinty was called into action again soon after as he was well positioned to save a shot from distance by Wood. Simon Power then drilled a shot over for Rovers in the 40th minute.
Shels had a great chance to take the lead in first half stoppage time. Sean Boyd knocked the ball for Wood, he laid it out right to John Martin and his well struck effort hit the outside of the post with McGinty beaten. They had the first chance of the second half when Coote picked out John O’Sullivan on the right. He crossed towards the back of the six-yard box where Boyd was waiting but he headed wide.
Some good interplay between Ellis Chapman and Reece Hutchinson led to a chance for Rovers in the 59th minute with Chapman’s shot blocked which allowed Kearns to make a routine save.
Five minutes later and Rovers had their best chance of the half. Fitzgerald did so well to make space for a cross on the right which he sent towards the back post. Ollie Denham was waiting and his downward header looked destined for the net only for Kearns to produce an incredible one handed stop as he clawed the ball away from the line.
Shels nearly snatched all three points in the 70th minute. A long ball forward by Paddy Barrett was headed on by Boyd and a defensive slip saw Liam Burt through on goal. He hit it with the outside of his foot putting it past McGinty but also wide of the post.
They had a late shout for a penalty in stoppage time when Burt had an effort on the turn inside the box that hit the arm of Denham but referee waved the appeals away saying it was ball to hand.
Rovers now have a two week break until their next game which is on Monday, October 14, away against Derry City. Kick-off in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium will be at 7:45pm.
