Mistakes are part of life, but Rovers’ errors are not good enough
THOSE feelings of expectation, hope and optimism were dashed into disappointment, discouragement and a growing sense of unease on Friday night as Sligo Rovers’ desperate search for a league win runs into an eighth week. It was the same the previous week at the Showgrounds against Galway United. A strong start again followed up by a let off in intensity and purpose allowing the opposition to all too easily settle and land a blow. Familiar frustrations.
Against Galway two weeks ago, Rovers were well on top for the opening period, stamping their authority as we hit the lead with ten minutes played. An individual error allowed United back into the game and a lack of direction saw the Bit O’Red cling on for only a point. Fast forward six days later and it happens again. Ger Lyttle revealed after the game that an active and energetic start is what he demands from his players. We saw that not only against Galway and Bohs but also against Harps a few weeks ago.
What let us down in all three was both individual mistakes and our inability to make the most of those good starts. Micheál Schlingermann dropped the ball on to the toe of Stephen Folan last Saturday week to gift Galway their leveller. Against Bohs, he badly mis- judged the flight of free- kick from another former Rovers player - Keith Ward.
Mistakes happen, that’s an unfortunate fact of both sport and life. But to make two such pivotal errors just isn’t good enough. Schlingermann is an established net minder and one of the better ones in the league. But you cannot afford to make those sort of major errors when you’re fighting relegation.
Every moment’s concentration is vital. Just like every ball a striker shies away and doesn’t gamble on a ball to the back post. Or each time a defender hesitates to clear a ball. It’s hard enough to win points when you’re struggling near the bottom. The players need to help themselves by ensuring they do the simple things well. Since Rovers’ last win, almost two months ago, the Bit O’Red have conceded twelve times in those seven games, registering just five at the opposition’s end. Bohs keeper Shane Supple pulled off two great saves to deny substitute Liam Martin in Phibsborough in the second half but our lack of creativity for sustained spells is very worrying.
It’s clear to all by now that a different and more dynamic option is needed at the head of attack and hopefully Benny Igiehon will be the answer.
Also, given the return of Daniel Kearns and the availability of Rhys McCabe for the Derry game to link up with the likes of the Sadliers and Russells, things should improve. They must. Neither Igiehon or McCabe will be free to play in Sunday’s game against Shams.
This is because the football authorities do not allow the registration of players outside of the July window.
Nor do they allow them to be registered on a weekend. This is a considerable disadvantage to the summer leagues, not just in Rovers’ case but also Shams, Derry and Cork who cannot play any new players in Thursday’s Europa League games.
Shams travel to Iceland to face Icelandic side Stjarnan. The time spent traveling will hopefully take some energy from their legs although the way this current Sligo Rovers team is performing at the moment, Shams will justifiably believe they can take something from the west.
I saw them live a few weeks ago against Harps. They lack experience and cutting edge but they still have enough to them to see off the weaker teams. Unfortunately, and for these last few games before the window opens for the least, one of those teams is us.
But it’s not all doom and gloom on Church Hill. Brian Dorrian’s exciting U19 side sit just two points off the top of the Northern Elite Division after nine games as a result of their really impressive 3- 2 win over St Pat’s. They are an extremely pleasing side to watch on the counter and have within their squad a number of players who are good enough to push on to senior level in the future.
As has happened on a number of occasions this season, it would be really great to see more of those 19s taking part in first team games in the future.
This year, their involvement has been down to necessity due to a lack of bodies as much as it has been down to a desire to develop them further. But that can’t harm them either. Just as long as their senior development continues in the Premier Division.