Walter Figueira and Rory Gaffney exchanged late goals, as the Rovers share the spoils at The Showgrounds.

Sligo came into this game in fine form, picking up seven points from their opening three games. Whilst Stephen Bradley’s side also remained unbeaten this campaign, picking up a win and a draw in their opening two encounters.

The reigning champions made one change from last Friday’s win over Dundalk in Tallaght. Dylan Watts coming in for Sean Gannon. Sligo reverted to the same starting-eleven that picked up a point against Dundalk on the opening day of the season.

Plenty of Possession

It was the visitor’s who started off brighter. Graham Burke forcing Ed McGinty into an early save down low in the third minute. Both sides exchanged possession of the ball, but neither could find that moment of quality to break the deadlock.

Sligo thought they had opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Walter Figueira found the hoops net after some good play from a set-piece. However, the former Derry striker was deemed to have been in an offside position in the lead up to the goal and his effort was ruled out.

Liam Buckley brought on Ryan De Vries at the break for John Kenny, but the pattern of the second half was similar to the first as chances were very limited between the sides.

Substitutions

Stephen Bradley made a double substitution with 15 minutes to go. Rory Gaffney and Sean Gannon for Graham Burke and Ronan Finn respectively, in the hope opening the scoring.

With only eight minutes remaining, Sligo broke the deadlock. Walter Figueira recieved the ball out on the left-wing, cut inside on his favoured right foot and his effort squirmed underneath the arms of Alan Mannus in visitor’s net. A rare mistake from the Northern Irishman.

Finding themselves a goal down with only minutes remaining, Stephen Bradley pushed his side forward. Danny Mandroiu forcing McGinty into a smart save almost immediately after Figueira’s goal.

Late Drama

Sligo were defending well until a low cross from Sean Gannon on the right-wing in the 88th minute found Rory Gaffney. He turned his marker before firing low past Ed McGinty to rescue a point for the Tallaght side.

Neither side could find a winner in the closing minutes, as it finished level at The Showgrounds.

Sligo Rovers: McGinty; Horgan, Mahon, Buckley, McCourt; Gibson, Bolger, Morahan, Figueira; Parkes, Kenny (46′ De Vries).

Shamrock Rovers: Mannus; Grace, Hoare, Scales; Finn (78′ Gannon), McCann, Watts, Kavanagh; Burke (78′ Gaffney), Greene, Mandroiu).

Referee: Derek Tomney.