Sligo look to overturn deficit

SHAMROCK ROVERS go into tonight’s Setanta Cup semi-final against Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in a commanding position on the back of their 2-0 away win at the Showgrounds in the first leg.

Sligo boss Paul Cook described his side’s performance as the worst he’d seen since he took charge of the club yet in the league they share top spot with Derry City on 14 points.

“We were well beaten by Shamrock Rovers last week,” Cook conceded.

“We didn’t perform and they very much deserved the win.

“That was disappointing but this group of players have been very good for me and they will be keen to deliver an improved display for the second leg.”

Sligo will be without John Russell who was sent-off in the first leg, but Danny Ventre returns from suspension and Joseph Ndo is over the sickness which saw him miss Friday’s draw away to Dundalk.

However Gary Twigg is the big question mark for Shamrock Rovers.

Meanwhile in the First Division, Finn Harps will be looking to recover from their 5-0 drubbing in Cork when they face Athlone Town in the Athlone Town Stadium.

Both of tonight’s fixtures kick off at 7.45pm.