Busy times for academy teams

LAST weekend was another busy one for the various teams representing the Sligo Rovers academy.

The Bit O’Red Boys U-14s were 4-0 winners over Longford Town on Saturday afternoon in an EA SPORTS National League of Ireland Shield Group ‘B’ fixture. Conor Langan (2), Johnny McGuinn and Cillian O’Neill all found the back of the net in what was the side’s last game of the season. Rovers finished third in the group, with Bray Wanderers and Klub Kildare advancing to the semi-finals. Also on Saturday, Rovers were at home to Athlone Town in the EA SPORTS Women’s U-17 National League of Ireland Shield.

Although Rovers lost 2-0 to Athlone at the Sean Fallon Centre (all-weather pitch) in

The Showgrounds, they remain top of a tightly contested group with two rounds to go.

The Boys U-17 team were on the road in the EA SPORTS

U-17 National League of Ireland Shield. They lost 2-1 to UCD in Dublin, with Michael Clifford getting on the scoresheet.

The U-17s are third in their Shield section, Group ‘A’, and must win their final game against Cavan-Monaghan to progress to the semi-final. UCD are two points ahead of them and face Finn Harps in their final game.

On Sunday, meanwhile, the Boys U-15 team were 4-0 winners against Longford Town in their final game of the season. Cillian McGing (2), Daire Patton and Gary Farren all scored for Rovers in what was an EA SPORTS U-15 National League of Ireland Shield fixture (Group ‘B’).

Rovers’ Boys U-19 were defeated for the first time in the EA SPORTS U-19 National League of Ireland, losing 3-1 away to Bohemians. The consolation goal was scored by Josh Mulrennan, who continued his consistent form in front of goal. Rovers are still top of the table by a single point heading into their next fixture away to St Patrick’s Athletic – who are also vying for top spot – in two weeks’ time.