Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Sligo Rovers defeated Waterford 2:1. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by C. Noonan 37′, J. Hakiki 73′, O. Elding 87′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Waterford had 44% possession while Sligo Rovers held 56%. Waterford had 12 shots (2 on target) compared to 18 (7 on target) for Sligo Rovers. Waterford made 4 substitutions, Sligo Rovers made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Waterford and Sligo Rovers — 3 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
Waterford had 44% possession against Sligo Rovers's 56%. Waterford registered 12 shots (2 on target) while Sligo Rovers managed 18 (7 on target). Corner kicks: 7–8. Fouls committed: 11–6.
Lineups
Waterford lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under John Coleman, while Sligo Rovers deployed a 4-2-3-1 under John Russell.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Waterford is 6.74, compared to 6.89 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. Waterford's highest-rated starter is S. McMullan (7.68), while Sligo Rovers's best-rated player is S. Sargeant (7.26).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Waterford have contributed 3 goals and 1 assists this season, led by P. Amond (3G). Sligo Rovers's starters account for 5 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by W. Fitzgerald (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Waterford deploy 4 defenders rated 6.15 on average, against Sligo Rovers's 4-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
Waterford field 4 midfielders averaging 6.72, versus Sligo Rovers's 5 rated 6.83. 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
Waterford start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.44, compared to 1 for Sligo Rovers averaging —. 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.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 61% for Waterford and 69% for Sligo Rovers. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Waterford's starters have collected 10 yellow cards this season, compared to 10 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 Waterford's starting XI is 23.8 (youngest: R. Mansfield (19), oldest: P. Amond (37)), while Sligo Rovers average 23.3 (youngest: J. McManus (20), oldest: S. Sargeant (28)). 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
Waterford's starters average 11 league appearances each, versus 11 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
Coach: John Coleman
Substitutes
Coach: John Russell
Rivalry since 2019
Waterford vs Sligo Rovers Head to Head Results· 19
Waterford and Sligo Rovers have met 19 times — Waterford won 6, Sligo Rovers won 8, with 5 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Sligo Rovers leads the head-to-head with 8 victories from 19 meetings. A combined 42 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.21 per match (18 for the home side, 24 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 6 matches (32%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 7 games (37%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Sligo Rovers are currently unbeaten in the last 4 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–3 in 2019.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Waterford have recorded 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. Sligo Rovers show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026