Covid-19 issues

AHEAD of their UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round first leg in Iceland, Sligo Rovers gave an update regarding Covid-19 issues that affected two first team squad members. “Two separate instances have occurred. One player has tested positive for Covid-19. The case has been traced to outside of the football club. The player has no contacts within the football club,” said the statement.

“A second player continues to test negative for Covid-19. However, he has been deemed a close contact of a case outside of the football club and will self-isolate this week as per protocols.”

The statement added: “Both players have complied fully with Covid-19 guidelines throughout. All other players are negative and are not impacted.”

But those smooth passages of passing from Rovers, who confidently pinged the ball about as if this was a pre-season game against Boyle Celtic and not a first hurdle of a European competition, papered over several issues.

Crosses were cleared. Deliveries could have been sharper. The final ball was lacking. At this level, these are the things that separate teams.

Given that Rovers’ leading scorer is a winger-playmaker – Jordan Gibson, seven goals – and none of the remaining attackers have yet to reach five goals, the Bit O’Red’s search for additional firepower is understandable. A new striker won’t be signed in time for this week’s second leg, of course, but there are still 19 Premier Division games for a goalscorer to impact.

Still, this tie hangs in the balance. It is only 1-0. Although a Rovers’ equaliser would, in the old currency of away goals, have counted for double if the second leg ended up being 0-0, at least an FH goal at The Showgrounds won’t prove absolutely fatal.

Rovers can thank their defence for ensuring this tie is still alive. Goalkeeper Luke McNicholas, making his first start since October of 2019, showed good handling throughout, starting with a 10th minute save to gobble up an FH shot, albeit one that was straight at him.

Full-back Lewis Banks was excellent and, after an exchange of passes with David Cawley in stoppage time, might have rifled home a levelling goal. But he shot wide.