Figueira strike sparks a victory
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Sligo Rovers Longford Town 2 0
SLIGO Rovers recorded their seventh win of the season – to keep pressure on leaders Shamrock Rovers – when beating Longford Town 2-0 at The Showgrounds last Friday night.
Goals from Walter Figueira, who scored in the first-half with a stunning shot from distance, and Jordan Gibson, who netted a second-half penalty, kept the Bit O’Red rocking. Rovers were boosted by receiving a 3-0 win for the game that never happened against Waterford FC, who forfeited that tie.
Garry Buckley’s red-card suspension actually counted in that ‘game’ so he was available to feature alongside John Mahon in the heart of Rovers’ defence.
But Rovers boss Liam Buckley was down two midfielders, the suspended Greg Bolger (who served a one-match ban after accumulating five yellow cards) and the injured David Cawley. Darren Collins was also ruled out of the matchday squad because of a sprained ankle. Defender Danny Kane, although due to return to training following injury, was unavailable too.
ON TARGET: Walter Figueira, netted his second goal of the season in the game against Longford Town on Friday night last at The Showgrounds.
Liam Buckley’s assistant John Russell, who just turned 36 and is still on the first team players’ roster, was one of nine substitutes listed.
For what was Rovers’ first game since May 7, a 1-0 win over Dundalk at Oriel Park, defender Lewis Banks started in midfield – as Greg Bolger’s stand-in – and Ryan De Vries was brought into the attack at the expense of Romeo Parkes.
Longford, anxious to gain a foothold, harried and pressed from the off. They also hinted that they would be a threat offensively, too, with striker Rob Manley – brother of centre-back Joe – driving at Rovers’ defence before shooting over.
Another warning for Rovers was when Dylan Grimes got on the end of a cross flung into the penalty area but his close-range effort was too high to trouble Ed McGinty.
Then winger Walter Figueira deflated Longford with a strike from long-range in the 17th minute. After his initial shot was blocked he regained possession and, from a little further out, belted the ball goalwards from his right foot. This memorable finish put Rovers a goal up.
Ryan De Vries showed what he is capable of with a few twists and turns on the edge of Longford’s penalty area before getting a shot on target after 31 minutes.
Johnny Kenny had an effort at goal just before half-time – with goalscorer Walter Figueira possibly a better option for Kenny to pass to – and it resulted in a comfortable save for Longford goalkeeper Michael Kelly. While one goal proved sufficient when Rovers took the spoils at Longford’s home of Bishopsgate on April 2, the hosts knew that a second goal here would decrease the possiblity of a Longford sting in this particular tale.
From a 58th minute Rovers corner delivered by Robbie McCourt, referee Ben Connolly spotted a Longford handball in the packed penalty area of the goal at the old Shed End.
Top scorer Jordan Gibson, who converted a spot-kick at this venue against St Patrick’s Athletic earlier this month (at the Railway End), was again given penalty responsibilities. He responded with an unstoppable finish for his fifth goal from 11 appearances.
Longford’s goose was well cooked now and their only slim chance of a revival was a free-kick from captain Aodh Dervin’s after 78 minutes. He flighted a good shot on target but it was straight at Bit O’Red custodian Ed McGinty, who otherwise had little to do.
Rovers’ goalscorers Walter Figueira and Jordan Gibson combined in stoppage time, with the latter lashing a shot that screamed over, albeit narrowly.
Best for Rovers: Walter Figueira
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan (Shane Blaney 77), John Mahon, Garry Buckley (c), Robbie McCourt; Lewis Banks, Niall Morahan; Ryan De Vries (Romeo Parkes 63), Jordan Gibson, Walter Figueira; Johnny Kenny (Regan Donelon 80)
Subs not used: Richard Brush (gk), Mark Byrne, Shane Blaney, John Russell, Scott Lynch, Cillian Heaney, Peter Maguire Longford Town: Michael Kelly; Shane Elworthy (Karl Chambers 57), Joe Manley, Aaron O’Driscoll, Paddy Kirk; Aaron Robinson (Aaron Bolger 65), Aodh Dervin (c); Callum Thompson (Conor Davis 74), Aaron Dobbs, Dylan Grimes; Rob Manley (Sam Verdon 74)
Subs not used: Lee Steacy (gk), Mick McDonnell, Dean Zambra, Dean Byrne, Matthew O’Brien
Referee: Ben Connolly