Rovers overcome Harps in crucial North West derby victory
SLIGO Rovers have given themselves a lifeline following a crucial North West derby win over Finn Harps on Saturday night.
Rhys McCabe was once again the hero for the Bit O’Red as he slotted home a 91st minute injury time goal to lift Rovers out of the relegation zone.
The Scottish midfielder also got the winner in Rovers’ last league match, the excellent 1-0 away win against Champions elect Cork City some four weeks ago.
Rovers proved it was no flash in the pan and with two wins out of two, both away, it now gives the club real optimism that they can retain their Premier Division status.
Just five matches remain and coming up on Friday is another crunch tie, away to Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Hundreds travelled to Finn Park in Ballybofey on Saturday night and they went home in jubilant mood following the snatching of three vital points.
With no home match since August 15 th the pressure off the field has also been mounting as club officials, volunteers and supporters engage in various fundraising activities that will be vital to the club’s survival.
Martin Heraghty, Chairman of Sligo Rovers, has appealed for fans to support the club in their last two home games.
Rovers’ next home game will be on October 7 th - that’s seven and a half weeks without the income from gates.
“We are appealing to fans to come out and support the team in the last two home games. We are urging people to show their support during the critical stage of the season,” he told The Sligo Champion.
Following on from a brilliant evening for the club in Finn Park on Saturday night, Heraghty is hopeful that the club will get another night like it.
“It was fantastic to see the passion and commitment in Ballybofey on Saturday night, from the team and fans. We want to see more of that. We want to see everyone stand together as we face this challenge.”
Financially, it’s been a tough year for the Bit O’Red who parted ways with manager Dave Robertson in April, before appointing Gerard Lyttle as manager.
“We’ve had big challenges this year on and off the pitch. We had to make tough decisions along the way and we had to strengthen the squad during the summer break too so that’s added to the financial difficulty.
“We now have three underage teams competing at a national level, and they are doing brilliantly. But that adds to the challenge,” he said.
There will be a number of fundraising events in the coming weeks and months to help the club, Heraghty confirmed. “With no home games we have no income apart from the lotto and the 500 Club which are of huge importance to us.”
The Dublin Supporter’s Club have organised a race night for Thursday, September 28th in McDaid’s, Harry Street. Further fundraising initiatives will follow.