Match Summary
Cork City and Sligo Rovers drew 1:1. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by O. Elding 25′, K. Nelson 62′. 6 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Cork City had 59% possession while Sligo Rovers held 41%. Cork City had 22 shots (5 on target) compared to 8 (2 on target) for Sligo Rovers. Cork City made 2 substitutions, Sligo Rovers made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Cork City and Sligo Rovers — 2 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: H. Lintott
Match Statistics
Cork City had 59% possession against Sligo Rovers's 41%. Cork City registered 22 shots (5 on target) while Sligo Rovers managed 8 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 10–2. Fouls committed: 17–17.
Lineups
Cork City lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under Gerard Nash, while Sligo Rovers deployed a 3-4-2-1 under John Russell.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Cork City is 6.78, compared to 7.04 for Sligo Rovers. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Cork City's highest-rated starter is K. Nelson (6.89), while Sligo Rovers's best-rated player is O. Elding (7.18).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Cork City have contributed 14 goals and 6 assists this season, led by K. Nelson (5G). Sligo Rovers's starters account for 18 goals and 12 assists, spearheaded by O. Elding (11G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Cork City deploy 4 defenders rated 6.80 on average, against Sligo Rovers's 3-man backline averaging 6.87. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Cork City field 5 midfielders averaging 6.75, versus Sligo Rovers's 4 rated 7.18. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Cork City start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.80, compared to 3 for Sligo Rovers averaging 7.05. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Discipline
Cork City's starters have collected 40 yellow cards this season, compared to 21 for Sligo Rovers. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Cork City's starting XI is 24.4 (youngest: K. Nelson (20), oldest: S. Murray (32)), while Sligo Rovers average 22.3 (youngest: O. Elding (19), oldest: W. Fitzgerald (26)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Cork City's starters average 21 league appearances each, versus 31 for Sligo Rovers. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Cork City have recorded 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 defeats. Sligo Rovers show 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Cork City
Sligo Rovers
Head to Head
Cork City and Sligo Rovers have met 4 times — Cork City won 1, Sligo Rovers won 1, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 18 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.50 per match (10 for the home side, 8 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 4 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Sligo Rovers are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 6–3 in 2025.
1
Cork City
2
Drawn
1
Sligo Rovers
Recent Meetings (4)
API data: 15 Mar 2026