We do need more if we’re to survive

WITH a mere eight games to go, Sligo Rovers are second bottom of the Premier Division table.

Rovers are one point behind Galway United, who occupy tenth spot, and six points ahead of Drogheda United who sit bottom of the table.

Rovers have won four games all season. The reality is that they will need to win probably four to ensure their Premier Division status for next year.

That’s 50% of their remaining games this season.

It is a big ask, even for a team that has played well in recent weeks.

There’s no doubt that performances of late have been good, and better than our position in the table suggests.

But, Rovers still haven’t won in these games and that’s where my main concern comes from.

We have seen enough in the Limerick, Dundalk and St. Patrick’s Athletic games to remain positive.

But, those games against Limerick and Pats were certainly ones where we should have won and picked up valuable points. It’s

one thing playing well, but it’s another thing actually winning games.

We are running out of time. Are there three teams worse than Rovers in the league right now? That’s a matter of opinion.

The transfer window has been kind and the new additions are more than welcome. They give Gerard Lyttle options - something he has not had since he arrived here back in April.

Teams around Rovers are winning games, and in a relegation battle anyone can win anything.

Nothing is impossible. Our home form has been good this season but we have not beaten Pats, Galway, Harps or Drogheda at The Showgrounds this season.

Rovers are also yet to win an away game this season.

It’s hard to criticise performances lately, they’re not doing a lot wrong.

But we do need more if we are to survive. Remaining positive is one thing but when you consider there are so few games left, there is cause for concern.

Our situation means that new players have little time to settle in.

That won’t be an issue for Vinny Faherty,

who knows this league pretty well. Greg Moorhouse, Jamie McDonagh and Omar Haughton might need a couple of weeks to find their feet but they cannot be afforded much time.

The squad is most definitely (on paper) better than some of our relegation rivals, but that counts for nothing.

No club is too big to go down. We might be professional and the likes of Finn Harps part-time, but that doesn’t look all that obvious when you take one look at the table.

But, a cup game this weekend against Longford might be a very welcome distraction. Obviously winning it is important but a week away from the league pressures might do the squad the world of good.

As fans we just have to hope and pray that the hard work and effort will eventually pay off for Gerard Lyttle and his players.

On a more positive note, the Rovers Under 19s have been enjoying a stellar year so far and with their cup semi-final at The Showgrounds tonight, one can only hope they will be well supported.

Brian Dorrian and co have done an excellent job with this group of players and hopefully that will continue tonight.