Sligo Rovers were handed a 2-0 defeat by St Patrick’s Athletic on June 27, 2026, when Joe Redmond and Chris Forrester scored in stoppage time at Richmond Park. The late goals snapped Sligo’s resilience and kept the Bit O’Red in seventh place with 41 points after 36 games.

What happened on the night?

St Pat’s dominated early, creating eleven chances before the 90th minute. Daire Patton’s free‑kick brushed the post and a series of corners kept the pressure on. Sligo looked dangerous on the break, with Mai Traoré forcing a save from goalkeeper Sergeant. Yet it was the Saints who broke the deadlock: Redmond rose at the far post in the 93rd minute to head Sean Hoare’s diagonal into the net. Two minutes later, 17‑year‑old Sam Rooney slipped a perfect pass to substitute Forrester, who cut inside and finished past Sergeant.

Why the result matters for Sligo Rovers

The loss extends Sligo’s gap to the league leaders, now 25 points behind Shamrock Rovers. With a recent form of 2W‑2D‑1L (WWDDL) and a two‑game winning streak, the defeat stalls momentum. Their goal tally sits at 42 scored and 54 conceded, a –12 difference that highlights defensive frailties exposed by the Saints’ relentless wing play. Top scorer O. Elding’s 11 goals remain vital, but the team will need tighter defending to climb the table.

How did the teams line‑up?

St Patrick’s Athletic started with Rogers in goal, a back four of Redmond, Hoare, Turner and Lennon, and a midfield of Brown, Leavy and Palmer. Substitutes Forrester and Edmondson came on late. Sligo Rovers fielded Sergeant, Esua, McElroy, Stewart and McDonagh at the back, with McManus, McHugh, O’Kane and Patton in midfield, and Traore leading the attack. The line‑ups showed Sligo missing several regulars, yet they still began brighter than the visitors.

What’s next for Sligo Rovers?

The Bit O’Red must regroup quickly. Their next fixture offers a chance to close the gap on the mid‑table, but the defensive lapses that allowed nine corners and two late goals need fixing. Manager Paul McDermott is likely to tweak the back line, perhaps bringing in Zefi or Zavi to add stability. With the league season entering its final stretch, every point counts as they chase a top‑half finish.

Sligo Rovers sit seventh in the League of Ireland Premier, 41 points from 36 games (11W‑8D‑17L) and recent form WDLLW, still 25 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers.