SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Sligo Rovers -v- Waterford FC
Tuesday, 18th August 2020
Kick-Off: 5:45 pm
Referee: Damien MacGraith
After an enthralling encounter in Oriel Park, the Blues are once again on the road for the third time in eight days. This time, they face Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds this Tuesday.
Despite going out of the FAI Cup and drawing two-all to Dundalk in league action the same week, manager John Sheridan is very optimistic about the trip to Sligo, citing our spirited draw last Friday. Undefeated in the league since the return, and some incredibly positive performances from the new signings, the Blues will look to turn their game-in-hand over league rivals into three points.
Sligo Rovers themselves have had a mixed bag of results since the return to league action. After beating Derry comfortably at the Ryan McBride Brandywell and then beating Shelbourne FC at home, they slumped to a three-nill defeat to Cork City who are just one point ahead of them in the league.
The last time the Blues travelled to the Showgrounds it finished in a nill-all draw, Dante Leverock was sent off in the 86th minute in an otherwise dull affair. Both sides will be looking to up the ante, three points to either side could be huge.
Managers View: Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s match against Sligo Rovers, manager John Sheridan said:
“It’s very easy to look back at last Friday and be disappointed that we didn’t come out of there with all three points. We were the better side for the majority, but they’re a well organised side that play an attractive style of football.
“The sending off was the inch they needed and they made the extra man count. They could have went on to get the winner but we showed tremendous character to hold on. I’m never satisfied with accepting draws but I think, looking back, it was a point well earned.
“The lads are gelling well together now although the fixture congestion is beginning to take its toll. I watched Sligo on Watchloi against Cork and Shelbourne. They looked particularly good against Shelbourne so I’m anticipating a tough game there.”
Team News: Ali Coote is suspended for picking up a red card in Oriel Park. Brian Murphy will undergo a fitness test and is hopeful to start. Shane Griffin and Dean Walsh return to the squad giving John Sheridan a much needed boost in personnel.
Streaming Options: The SSE Airtricity League is back and on a new streaming platform, WatchLOI! Access every game with your very own WatchLOI Season Ticket. https://www.watchloi.ie/packages