THE SILVER lining of losing their two-year grip on the FAI Cup to Monaghan United last week is that it should aid Sligo Rovers in their quest for a first league title since 1977.
Such is the belief of goalkeeper Gary Rogers. He was also quick to take the positives out of leaders Sligo’s surprise first league defeat of the season at UCD the Monday before.
“Yes, it was a bit of a reality check. It will probably do us no harm,” said Rogers of the two successive defeats.
Sligo are seven points clear a the top ahead of tonight’s visit to play Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
“There’s no point in hiding it,” added Rogers on their cup exit. “We were disappointed to go out. It wasn’t intended that way at all, we would have gladly been in the next round of the cup, but the positive is we’re going to have a few less games to play and hopefully we can concentrate on winning the league.”
Manager Ian Baraclough delves deep into his squad in the absence of injured pair Iarfhlaith Davoren and Joseph Ndo, Romauld Boco, who is away on international duty with Benin, and the suspended Alan Keane.
Bohemians remain without Owen Heary (hamstring). Also out are John O’Connor and Neil Harney (both illness) and Andy McNulty (hamstring). Luke Byrne is away with the Ireland under-19s.
Injuries and suspension also afflict Cork City ahead of their trip to play Shamrock Rovers. Dan Murray continues to struggle with a groin problem while Danny Murphy is suspended.
Rovers’ captain Ken Oman is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Striker Ciarán Kilduff (foot) remains out while Seán Gannon is out with an ankle injury.
Apart from knee injury casualties, Mark Rossiter and James Chambers, St Patrick’s Athletic report a full squad as they travel to bottom side Monaghan United.
Goalkeeper Chris Bennion should return for Monaghan, though Aidan Collins, Robert Bayly, Gareth O’Connor, Shaun Maher and John Reilly are injured.
Shelbourne are somewhat depleted for their trip to face Derry City. Lorcan Fitzgerald and Stephen Hurley are still not fit to play after long-term injuries. Gareth Matthews requires a late fitness test. Midfielder John Sullivan is suspended.
Suspended defender Ryan McBride joins injured pair Stewart Greacen and club captain Kevin Deery on the sidelines for Derry.
Bray Wanderers are at full strength as they host UCD at the Carlisle Grounds.
UCD goalkeeper Ger Barron, Chris Mulhall, Cillian Morrison and Seán Russell are injured while Chris Lyons is away with Paul Doolin’s under-19s.
Striker Michael Rafter is out suspended for Dundalk ahead of the televised derby with Drogheda United at Oriel Park. Winger Gavin Brennan is suspended for Drogheda, though full-back Stephen Quigley is fit again following a calf injury.
TONIGHT’S FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated)
Premier Division:Bohemians v Sligo Rovers (Home: 7/2, Draw: 5/2, Away: 3/4); Bray Wanderers v UCD (Home: evens, Draw: 12/5, Away: 5/2); Dundalk v Drogheda United (Live on RTE2, 7.05, Home: 12/5, Draw: 11/5, Away: 11/10); Derry City v Shelbourne (Home: 8/11, Draw: 23/10, Away: 4/1); Monaghan United v St Patrick's Athletic (8.0, Home: 6/1, Draw: 11/4, Away: 1/2); Shamrock Rovers v Cork City (8.0, Home: 8/15, Draw: 11/4, Away: 11/2).
First Division:SD Galway v Finn Harps; Waterford Utd v Mervue Utd; Wexford Youths v Athlone Town.
(Betting courtesy of Paddy Power)
