Match Preview: City vs Sligo Rovers

Cork City continue their 2025 Premier Division campaign on Friday night as Sligo Rovers make the long journey down to Turners Cross.  

City will look to put Monday night’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Waterford behind them with yet more crucial points on offer.  

Alex Nolan’s early strike gave City the lead at the RSC, but injuries and a red card hampered the Rebel Army, who conceded a late winner through Kyle White.  

Sligo Rovers had a similarly eventful Monday night game, albeit a more favourable one as they shocked the league in beating Shamrock Rovers 2-1 at The Showgrounds.  

Sligo entered the fixture rock-bottom of the table, with the most goals conceded out of any side this season.  

The Bit O’Red now sit eighth with three points, just behind City’s total of four but City have a game less played.  

Speaking in his press conference at Bishopstown, Tim Clancy spoke on Friday’s opposition:  

“Although they lost against Waterford, they probably should’ve taken something out of the game. They got beat up at Richmond against Pat’s as well, they were 3-1 down and brought it back to 3-3.” 

“They are very dangerous going forward, they had a great win over Shamrock Rovers on Monday, so we are going to be in for another tough game.” 

Clancy also shared his thoughts on Sligo’s poor defensive record so far: 

“That’s just how [John] Russell sets his team up, they're very offensive and they're brilliant in transitions as well. 

“They have a lot of attacking players and i think if you look at a lot of their conceded goals you'll see individual errors which will frustrate John a lot. 

“We are good in transitions ourselves, so it'll be a really exciting game on Friday.” 

In terms of  injury news, Cathal O’Sullivan remains unavailable for Friday’s fixture, as well as Evan McLaughlin and Harry Nevin. Seani Maguire and Greg Bolger are doutbful.  

City have had a positive record over Sligo in recent years, with City beaten just four times by the Bit O’Red in their last fifteen competitive games since 2018.  

The sides previous clash in 2023 will live long in the memories of City fans, as Ruairí Keating scored an emotional hat-trick at Turners Cross in a 3-0 win.  

Friday night’s clash will be officiated by Eoghan O’Shea, with Emmett Dynan and Brian Fenlon his assistants. Robert Dowling will be the fourth official.  

Make sure to follow the official Cork City FC Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook accounts for matchday content and live game updates!      

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets for the match are on sale from the Club Shop in Douglas Village Shopping Centre, as well as from the Mace shop in Turner's Cross.

You can also pick up your tickets online via TicketCo. We recommend getting your tickets online in advance to beat the queues on matchnight!

How can I watch?

The game will be streamed live on the official League of Ireland streaming platform, LOITV!

An individual match pass costs just €5.