Cook predicting goals as Sligo go in search of Euro dream
Rovers have played out 0-0 draws in four of their last 10 games — including last Thursday’s first leg in the Ukraine — and have not conceded in their last nine league matches.
But Cook said: “I think there will be goals and we know what we have to do to get through.
“There has been a lot made of our defensive record. We’re fortunate that we have top-class defenders at the club and they have done very well. But I also think that anyone who knows football knows luck plays a major part in it.”
Rovers avoided defeat in the Ukraine, but were unable to claim an away goal despite creating some great chances in the second-half.
As a result, a goal for Vorskla in the Showgrounds would put them in a very strong position, and Cook has warned that his side will need to thread a thin line between defence and attack.
“It is important we remain patient and for our supporters to do likewise.
“For the first 15 minutes in Poltava we were under plenty of pressure, they were cutting us open constantly and we were fortunate not to concede.
“Vorskla will create chances this week because they are a very, very good side. They move the ball very well.”
The club had to convince UEFA to give them special dispensation to allow the game to go ahead at the Showgrounds and have been working hard all week to install extra seating and facilities for the sold-out match.
The visitors flew into Knock Airport from Kiev yesterday, having defeated Karpaty Lviv 2-0 on Sunday.
Cook believes it was important that Rovers were able to get the game at their home ground.
“I think the atmosphere from the crowd will take people’s breath away. There isn’t a ticket to be found in Sligo now and that is a wonderful complaint to have because it shows how far we have come.
“It would be fantastic to win the game and we’re all looking forward to it.”
Rovers midfielder Alan Kirby says that the tie remains evenly balanced ahead of tonight’s second leg.
Kirby went close to grabbing a crucial away goal in the second half of the opening leg, but his close-range effort rose too high and clipped off the crossbar.
And he says Vorskla will now know that an away goal could put them in the driving seat.
“They are a very good side and all they need to do is convert one chance away from home and they have their away goal.
“They didn’t win at home, but they didn’t concede either, which is a big plus for them.
“We just have to try and make home advantage count, and to try and dominate the game and take our chances.”
Tonight’s game gets underway at the earlier time of 5.45pm, as the floodlights at The Showgrounds would not be up to UEFA standard if the game were to go to extra-time or penalties.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
