Carl McHugh earns Sligo Rovers a precious three points with 97th minute winner against Shamrock Rovers

Sligo Rovers earned a vital three points at Tallaght Stadium against league leaders Shamrock Rovers, with Carl McHugh scoring in the 97th minute. Shamrock Rovers took the lead when Sean McHale turned Aaron Greene’s ball into the net after 11 minutes. Sligo Rovers responded with goals from Jeannot Esua and McHugh to complete the comeback. The match followed a 4-1 defeat to Galway United, and Sligo Rovers manager John Russell sought a response. Shamrock Rovers dominated early chances, but Sligo Rovers grew into the game as the half progressed. Sligo Rovers faced squad absences, while Shamrock Rovers had recent strong form.

"Carl McHugh was the hero as his 97th minute goal earned Sligo Rovers a massive three points in Tallaght Stadium against the league leaders Shamrock Rovers on Friday night. Sligo Rovers came from behind with goals from Jeannot Esua and McHugh seeing Russell's men pick up a vital win."

"After last Saturday's 4-1 thumping at the hands of Galway United, Sligo Rovers manager John Russell was keen to see a response from his side. But it was always going to be a tough ask, against a Shamrock Rovers side who won three of their last four. And Russell had one eye on Waterford below them in the table, with the Blues moving to within three points of the Bit O'Red following last Monday's win over Drogheda United."

"The Hoops dominated the early exchanges, although the Bit O'Red looked bright for the first couple of minutes until the home side settled in. A dangerous Adam Brennan effort was deflected over after just nine minutes, as the home side were starting to look threatening. With 11 minutes gone, the home side were celebrating after Sean McHale turned Aaron Greene's ball into the back of the net."

"Perhaps it was too comfortable at times, but Russell's men grew into the game as the half went on, perhaps aided by the fact the Hoops had relaxed a bit. The scoreline certainly should have been one apiece on 24 minutes, but Daire Patton was almost caught off-guard as the ball dropped to him a couple of yards from goal, and the Sligo town native could only fire off the post."

Read at Irish Independent