Victory for Sligo Rovers in Drom

 Sligo Rovers have picked up their first victory of pre-season today, after beating Salthill Devon 4-2.

Sligo Rovers, for the second week in a row, dominated from the off, but fell behind after 15 minutes after Cirprian Straut struck from just outside the box. Rovers equalized just minutes later when Daryl Horgan, who joined from Satlhill a few days ago, delivered a corner which Matthew Blinkhorn headed in from close range.

John Russell

With half an hour gone, Rovers took the lead. It was almost a carbon copy of the first goal, as Richie Ryan whipped in a corner which was met by midfield partner John Russell, who also headed the ball into the back of the net. Rovers came close again before half-time, when Eoin Doyle’s shot was cleared off the line.

Paul Cook introduced 3 subsitutions, Alan Kirby, Derek Foran and Rafael Cretaro coming on for Danny Ventre, Jason McGuinness and Matthew Blinkhorn. Salthill started the half brightly,getting back on terms through a great long range strike by Ciprian Straut, scoring his second of the game. Cook soon introduced more subs, with Aaron Greene on for John Russell, John Dillon for Eoin Doyle, Mark McGoldrick for Daryl Horgan and Gavin Snodgrass for Ciaran Kelly.

Raff Cretaro

Photo courtesy of thecollegeview.com

Rovers continued to dominate the game, but struggled to convert their chances. With about 5 minutes of normal time left, John Dillon played his part in two goals to win the game, crossing the ball in for Rafael Cretaro to score on his return to Sligo Rovers, and then scoring a goal himself when he got on the end of a ball crossed in from left back Iarfhliaith Davoren.

Rovers have now recorded a win and a draw this pre-season, and next up for the Bit O’ Red is a trip to Mayo where they take on Castlebar Celtic.

Team that played Salthill Devon:

Ciaran Kelly, Alan Keane, Jason McGuinness, Gavin Peers, Iarfhliath Davoren, Daryl Horgan, Richie Ryan, Danny Ventre, John Russell, Eoin Doyle, Matthew Blinkhorn

Subs:

Gavin Snodgrass (goalkeeper), Derek Foran, Alan Kirby, Aaron Greene, Mark McGoldrick, John Dillon, Rafael Cretaro