It was a case of déjà vu for Sligo Rovers manager Ger Lyttle as his side once more, failed to find the net during their FAI Cup defeat to Longford Town on Saturday. Jamie Hollywood’s second half-strike was enough to see the midlanders knock Sligo o
It was a case of déjà vu for Sligo Rovers manager Ger Lyttle as his side once more, failed to find the net during their FAI Cup defeat to Longford Town on Saturday.
Jamie Hollywood’s second half-strike was enough to see the midlanders knock Sligo out of the competition for the second time in as many years.
There were chances for Rovers, who struck the woodwork in each half, while Mikey Drennan fluffed a great chance to force extra-time in the dying moments.
The result now means the Bit O’Red have failed to score in 14 of their 31 games this season.
Speaking after the game, a frustrated Lyttle suggested their persistent foul luck in front of the posts could be down to a lack of belief amongst his players.
“It seems like we’re having the same conversations every week”, he said.
“It’s obviously a lack of confidence as I don’t see what else it could be. And that needs to be overcome”, he said.
“Mikey’s one on one with the keeper at the end and he hits him. What more can you do? As a manager and coaching staff, we put sessions on to help the players to create these chances, but physically we can’t put the ball into the net. I wish we could!
“They scored, we didn’t. We didn’t take our chances and we paid for it. We haven’t been clinical enough.
We’ve hit the post, their ‘keeper’s made a few good saves. The goal we’ve conceded was very poor.”
“We’ve probably dominated at least 80 minutes of that game but again we’ve come away with nothing. It’s soul destroying, deflating and very discouraging.”
Lyttle’s reign at the Showgrounds was in its infancy when Rovers were knocked out of the same competition by Neale Fenn’s men last summer.
With this in mind, he quickly brushed off any mention of a hint of pre-match arrogance amongst his players, but did question their lack of grit.
“We’re not good enough to be over-confident”, he cried. “We spoke before about what happened last year and we couldn’t underestimate Longford. They’re a good team who play the right way.
“They’ve put it up to us in terms of fight. Did we match it one hundred percent? Maybe not. First half we were very slow in our build up and switching play. Second half we were more on the front foot.
“We’ve put three strikers on the pitch tonight and it’s still not happening for us. We’re all very disappointed not to win that game.”
Having been knocked out of both the EA Sports and FAI Cup in the space of six days, Rovers must quickly regroup as they face into a crucial relegation six pointer against Limerick on Friday.
With the trip to Markets Field on the horizon, Lyttle has challenged his players show the steel required to take a positive result from that game.
He asserted: “It’s up to the boys. We’re now looking to them to show us leadership in the dressing room. We’re looking for them to step up.
“We’re out of two cups now so Friday is very important. We have to focus on the league and getting us out of the position we’re in.
“We’re good enough but it’s the same story. We need to take our chances and be ruthless!
“Is it a lack of desire that got us here? I honestly don’t think it is. But it’s very frustrating for any manager to come in and have the same conversation with reporters every week.”
Lyttle also admitted that he’s feeling the heat following what has been another poor season for Rovers. Disgruntled supporters made their feelings known at the end of the game.
“I feel the frustration from the supporters”, he confessed. “I’m big and ugly enough to take it. But I think it’s easier to blame one person that to blame fifteen players.
“But I’m the manager, I pick the team and I’m under pressure, there’s no doubt about that. Results like Saturday’s will not help my position.”
