Shamrock Rovers come from behind to sink 10-man Sligo

Sligo had midfielder Daire Patton sent off early in the second half

Graham Burke scored a late winner for Shamrock Rovers against Sligo Rovers. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Sligo Rovers 1 (Will Fitzgerald 13), Shamrock Rovers 2 (Jack Byrne 47, Graham Burke 82) 

SHAMROCK Rovers had to dig deep for a comeback victory at The Showgrounds as second-half goals from substitutes Jack Byrne and Graham Burke made the difference against 10-man Sligo Rovers.

The home side were vibrant in the first half and went ahead through Will Fitzgerald but Byrne’s equaliser early in the second half and then a red card for Sligo midfielder Daire Patton gave Shamrock Rovers the momentum.

The visitors came to the north-west holding a seven-point advantage at the top of the table and also with upcoming European commitments - Stephen Bradley’s charges are in Malta on Tuesday next for a UEFA Champions League first qualifying round first leg fixture against Floriana.

Sligo, second from bottom going into this game, were in desperate need of a lift in front of their home support. John Russell’s side hadn’t won in their last four games. Indeed, their most recent victory - back on May 22 - was a 2-1 win against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

Shamrock Rovers set a brisk tempo from the outset but, aside from an Adam Brennan shot that was on target, they needed Ed McGinty’s wonder save to stop Sean McHale from giving the hosts an early lead following a corner.

Resilient Sligo hit the front after 13 minutes with a well-taken strike from team captain Will Fitzgerald, who was found by Archie Meekison’s ball.

Shamrock Rovers continued to see lots of possession following the concession of that goal but a firm shot from Enda Stevens, an effort that Sam Sargeant dealt with, was the sum of their attacking intent.

Shamrock Rovers made four changes at the break and two of these substitutes, Graham Burke and Jack Byrne, combined for a 47th minute equaliser - Byrne rifled home a rebound after Burke’s shot was blocked.

Sligo’s response was almost instant but Archie Meekison’s free-kick cleared the wall but also the frame of Ed McGinty’s goal.

A 52nd minute red card for Daire Patton, who was deemed to have stopped a goalscoring opportunity, left Sligo with a mountain to climb.

Shamrock Rovers weren’t just knocking on the door, they were pounding on it as the second-half evolved.

Matt Healy pinged a shot off the woodwork and then Sam Sargeant’s wonder save denied Adam Brennan’s goalbound header.

Sergeant also saved from Michael Noonan and Maleace Asamoah blasted a shot over as Shamrock Rovers continued to turn the screw.

Sligo brought on teenage striker Jamie O’Donnell, a recent signing, in the closing stages.

Graham Burke scored what would prove to be the winner in the 82nd minute when his drilled cross from the left slipped through the reach of Sam Sargeant at his near post.

This result and Waterford’s win away to Derry means Sligo drop to the bottom of the table.

Sligo Rovers: Sergeant; Esua (McDonagh 88), McElroy, McHale, Stewart; Patton, McHugh; O’Kane, Meekison (Quirk 67), Fitzgerald; Kavanagh (O’Donnell 78) 

Shamrock Rovers: McGinty; Brennan, Matthews, Stevens (O’Sullivan 46), Grace, Mulraney; Watts (Asamoah 59), Healy, Malley (Byrne 46); McGovern (Noonan 46), Greene (Burke 46) 

Referee: Paul McLaughlin 

Attendance: 2,451