Sligo Rovers get badly need win against below-par Bohemians

Kailin Barlow scored his first goal for Sligo Rovers but was later sent off as the Bit O'Red eased the pressure somewhat on manager John Russell, as they saw off a jaded looking Bohemians at the Showgrounds.

Rovers sailed into a two-goal lead courtesy of Barlow’s strike and a Max Mata tap-in, while Stefan Radosavljevic’s second half stunner effectively decided the tie for the Bit O’Red who picked up their first win in five.

Jonathan Afolabi’s goal three minutes from time proved little more than a consolation for Declan Devine’s side.

Bohs' first half showing didn’t promise much as Rovers were almost totally dominant. Sligo skipper Greg Bolger swept an early effort wide off his weaker foot after a Johan Brannefalk ball caused issues in the Bohs defence.

Barlow headed another Brannefalk cross at James Talbot on 13 minutes, while another dangerous ball from the Swede was met by Mata seven minutes later. But Sligo’s top scorer could only nod off target as Bohs struggled to settle. An unconvincing Talbot got caught out by the strong wind blowing from behind his goal mid-way through the half when he failed to deal with Bolger’s ball towards the visitor’s penalty area. Talbot’s blushes spared when Danny Lafferty was unable to wrap his foot around the loose ball. Rovers deservedly hit the front 26 minutes in. Instead of trying to beat the traffic in front of him, Mata instead elected to pick out Barlow, whose effort bounced off the inside of the far post on its way past Talbot for his maiden goal for the club.

One became two three minutes from the interval.

Talbot not covering himself in glory again as he dropped Barlow’s cross to the front post. Mata’s tenth goal of the season his most simple as he was left with an easy tap in.

Rovers