Sligo Slump as European Qualifiers Begin as Champions travel to The Field Of Dreams

League of Ireland Focus
after a short break the domestic game is back as Sportspeak’s League of Ireland Editor Michael Duffy reports;

Sligo Rovers began their first European campaign in 13 years when Albanian crack outfit Vllnazia visit ed the Showgrounds in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.  Paul Cook’s men were hoping to put their indifferent league form behind them and build up a lead before next week’s return leg in Albania. Unfortunately it looks like Sligo’s European adventure might not prolong past 180 minutes as they lost the home leg 2-1. The winners of this tie will face Austrian side and twice UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup runners-up Rapid Vienna in the next round.

The League of Ireland returns after a one week mid season break. League leaders Bohemians visit bottom of the table Bray Wanderers while second place Derry City travel to Dundalk who have won their last two games to move out of the relegation zone. Cork City have managed only a single point from their last four league outings and have dropped to fourth place. Cork visit Galway United who themselves have slipped down the table having only managed a single draw from their last five league games.
Ever improving Shamrock Rovers have a local derby on Saturday night when they make the short journey to Inchicore to face Jeff Kenna’s injury hit St. Patrick’s Athletic. Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United currently occupy the relegation play off positions and they meet on Sunday evening at the Sligo Showgrounds.

The First division promotion race is hotting up with only two points separating the top four sides. All four sides will be expecting to win over the week end. Shelbourne host Mervue United on Friday while UCD travel to Kildare County and Sporting Fingal make the long journey to Donegal to play Finn Harps on Saturday night. Fourth place Waterford United travel to Longford Town on Sunday evening.

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: