Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Waterford defeated Sligo Rovers 3:2. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by R. McDonald 13′, T. Lonergan 33′, O. Elding 50′, C. Noonan 58′, J. Hakiki 82′. 8 yellow cards were shown. Sligo Rovers had 62% possession while Waterford held 38%. Sligo Rovers had 25 shots (11 on target) compared to 5 (4 on target) for Waterford. Sligo Rovers made 2 substitutions, Waterford made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Sligo Rovers and Waterford — 5 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
assist: R. McDonald
assist: W. Fitzgerald
assist: O. van Hattum
Match Statistics
Sligo Rovers had 62% possession against Waterford's 38%. Sligo Rovers registered 25 shots (11 on target) while Waterford managed 5 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 6–1. Fouls committed: 8–18.
Lineups
Sligo Rovers lined up in a 3-4-3 formation under John Russell, while Waterford deployed a 3-4-1-2 under John Coleman.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sligo Rovers is 6.88, compared to 6.99 for Waterford. 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 S. Sargeant (7.26), while Waterford's best-rated player is S. McMullan (7.68).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Sligo Rovers have contributed 6 goals and 3 assists this season, led by W. Fitzgerald (4G). Waterford's starters account for 7 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by T. Lonergan (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
Sligo Rovers deploy 3 defenders rated 6.96 on average, against Waterford's 3-man backline averaging —. 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 6.53, versus Waterford's 4 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 6.83, compared to 3 for Waterford averaging 6.75. 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 64% for Sligo Rovers and 59% for Waterford. 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
Sligo Rovers's starters have collected 7 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 for Waterford. 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 24.0 (youngest: J. Hakiki (21), oldest: S. Sargeant (28)), while Waterford average 25.3 (youngest: S. McMullan (21), oldest: P. Amond (37)). 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 13 league appearances each, versus 13 for Waterford. 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 Russell
Substitutes
Coach: John Coleman
Rivalry since 2019
Sligo Rovers vs Waterford Head to Head Results· 19
Sligo Rovers and Waterford have met 19 times — Sligo Rovers won 9, Waterford won 5, with 5 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Sligo Rovers leads the head-to-head with 9 victories from 19 meetings. A combined 40 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.11 per match (24 for the home side, 16 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 6 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–3 in 2019.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Sligo Rovers have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat. Waterford show 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026