Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Shelbourne defeated Sligo Rovers 3:2. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by G. McElroy 3′, J. Martin 34′, J. Martin 40′, J. Martin 57′, O. Elding 59′. 6 yellow cards were shown. Shelbourne had 53% possession while Sligo Rovers held 47%. Shelbourne had 29 shots (6 on target) compared to 12 (4 on target) for Sligo Rovers. Shelbourne made 2 substitutions, Sligo Rovers made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers — 5 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
assist: W. Fitzgerald
assist: E. Caffrey
assist: E. Caffrey
Match Statistics
Shelbourne had 53% possession against Sligo Rovers's 47%. Shelbourne registered 29 shots (6 on target) while Sligo Rovers managed 12 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 8–9. Fouls committed: 9–9.
Lineups
Shelbourne lined up in a 5-3-2 formation under Joseph Martin O'Brien, while Sligo Rovers deployed a 4-2-3-1 under John Russell.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Shelbourne is 6.92, compared to 6.87 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. Shelbourne's highest-rated starter is H. Wood (7.24), while Sligo Rovers's best-rated player is S. Sargeant (7.26).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Shelbourne have contributed 21 goals and 13 assists this season, led by H. Wood (9G). Sligo Rovers's starters account for 6 goals and 3 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
Shelbourne deploy 4 defenders rated 6.89 on average, against Sligo Rovers's 3-man backline averaging 6.89. 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
Shelbourne field 4 midfielders averaging 6.82, versus Sligo Rovers's 6 rated 6.79. 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
Shelbourne start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.04, compared to 1 for Sligo Rovers averaging 6.63. 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 48% for Shelbourne and 64% 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
Shelbourne's starters have collected 40 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 Shelbourne's starting XI is 25.7 (youngest: E. Caffrey (22), oldest: J. O'Sullivan (32)), while Sligo Rovers average 23.0 (youngest: G. McElroy (18), 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
Shelbourne's starters average 27 league appearances each, versus 13 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: Joseph Martin O'Brien
Substitutes
Coach: John Russell
Rivalry since 2020
Shelbourne vs Sligo Rovers Head to Head Results· 19
Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers have met 19 times — Shelbourne won 11, Sligo Rovers won 5, with 3 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2020. Shelbourne leads the head-to-head with 11 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 9 matches (47%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 9 games (47%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Shelbourne are currently unbeaten in the last 6 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–1 in 2025.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Shelbourne have recorded 1 win, 2 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