Ten-man Sligo hang on for three precious points

Struggling Sligo Rovers picked up a massive result in front of their home fans when beating high-flying Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in a fiery contest – a win that takes the Bit O’Red out of the relegation places and up to eighth place in the top flight standings.

John Russell, one of the home side’s best players netted what proved to be the winner after four minutes but his sending off, with 56 minutes played, left the diligent Sligo defence to hold out against a Rovers side who just couldn’t get the better of Sligo goalkeeper Micheal Schlingermann.

On paper, this appeared a mismatch given the respective fortunes of the two Rovers in recent weeks. Shamrock Rovers came to The Showgrounds boosted by their Europa League win in Iceland last Thursday which was their fourth victory in six competitive games.