Match Summary
Sligo Rovers defeated Cork City 3:2. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by E. McLaughlin 7′, S. Maguire 56′, O. Elding 60′, P. McClean 79′, R. O'Kane 89′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Cork City had 37% possession while Sligo Rovers held 63%. Cork City had 16 shots (8 on target) compared to 17 (8 on target) for Sligo Rovers. Cork City made 5 substitutions, Sligo Rovers made 1.
Match Events
Key match events between Cork City and Sligo Rovers — 5 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: K. Nelson
assist: W. Fitzgerald
assist: J. Hakiki
Match Statistics
Cork City had 37% possession against Sligo Rovers's 63%. Cork City registered 16 shots (8 on target) while Sligo Rovers managed 17 (8 on target). Corner kicks: 6–10. Fouls committed: 11–5.
Lineups
Cork City lined up in a 5-4-1 formation under Gerard Nash, while Sligo Rovers deployed a 4-2-3-1 under John Russell.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Cork City is 6.80, 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 P. McClean (7.29).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Cork City have contributed 11 goals and 6 assists this season, led by K. Nelson (5G). Sligo Rovers's starters account for 22 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 5 defenders rated 6.82 on average, against Sligo Rovers's 3-man backline averaging 7.08. 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 4 midfielders averaging 6.82, versus Sligo Rovers's 6 rated 6.97. 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 6.75, compared to 1 for Sligo Rovers averaging 7.18. 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 20 yellow cards this season, compared to 28 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 23.5 (youngest: C. O'Sullivan (18), oldest: S. Maguire (31)), while Sligo Rovers average 23.6 (youngest: O. Elding (19), oldest: P. McClean (29)). 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 28 league appearances each, versus 23 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 0, with 3 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Cork City leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 4 meetings. A combined 15 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.75 per match (9 for the home side, 6 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 4 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (25%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Cork City are currently unbeaten in the last 4 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 6–3 in 2025.
1
Cork City
3
Drawn
0
Sligo Rovers
Recent Meetings (4)
API data: 15 Mar 2026