Match Summary
Shelbourne defeated Sligo Rovers 2:1. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by J. Martin 3′, K. McInroy 12′, R. Hutchinson 45′. 7 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Sligo Rovers had 56% possession while Shelbourne held 44%. Sligo Rovers had 15 shots (2 on target) compared to 10 (6 on target) for Shelbourne. Sligo Rovers made 4 substitutions, Shelbourne made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Sligo Rovers and Shelbourne — 3 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Norris
assist: C. Kavanagh
Match Statistics
Sligo Rovers had 56% possession against Shelbourne's 44%. Sligo Rovers registered 15 shots (2 on target) while Shelbourne managed 10 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 6–3. Fouls committed: 10–15.
Lineups
Sligo Rovers lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under John Russell, while Shelbourne deployed a 5-3-2 under Joseph Martin O'Brien.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sligo Rovers is 7.04, compared to 6.86 for Shelbourne. 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. Sligo Rovers's highest-rated starter is O. Elding (7.18), while Shelbourne's best-rated player is L. Temple (6.89).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Sligo Rovers have contributed 18 goals and 12 assists this season, led by O. Elding (11G). Shelbourne's starters account for 7 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by J. Martin (7G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Sligo Rovers deploy 3 defenders rated 6.87 on average, against Shelbourne's 5-man backline averaging 6.86. 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
Sligo Rovers field 4 midfielders averaging 7.18, versus Shelbourne's 3 rated —. 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
Sligo Rovers start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.05, compared to 2 for Shelbourne averaging 6.85. 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
Sligo Rovers's starters have collected 21 yellow cards this season, compared to 11 for Shelbourne. 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 Sligo Rovers's starting XI is 22.3 (youngest: O. Elding (19), oldest: W. Fitzgerald (26)), while Shelbourne average 22.7 (youngest: L. Temple (20), oldest: J. Martin (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
Sligo Rovers's starters average 31 league appearances each, versus 25 for Shelbourne. 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, Sligo Rovers have recorded 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 defeats. Shelbourne show 1 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Sligo Rovers
Shelbourne
Head to Head
Sligo Rovers and Shelbourne have met 3 times — Sligo Rovers won 0, Shelbourne won 3, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Shelbourne leads the head-to-head with 3 victories from 3 meetings. A combined 11 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.67 per match (3 for the home side, 8 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (67%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (67%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Shelbourne are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–2 in 2025.
0
Sligo Rovers
0
Drawn
3
Shelbourne
Recent Meetings (3)
API data: 15 Mar 2026