The Lakesiders prepare for an eighth European campaign with the visit of Sligo Rovers to Park Hall for our home leg of the first qualifying round. Both sides will be looking for a positive ahead of the second leg which takes place in a week's time at The Showgrounds in West Ireland.
The Match Bala Town vs Sligo Rovers Europa Conference League First Qualifying Round Park Hall, SY11 4AS Thursday, July 7th, 7:00 pm Kick-off
Admission: Ticket Only (Limited) - https://ticketpass.org/event/ELHEVF/bala-town-fc-v-sligo-rovers-home-fans
Matchday Programmes Our Matchday Programme will be available to purchase upon entry for £3.
Insight Into Our Opponents Form: (H) Shelbourne 3-1 - League of Ireland
(A) Drogheda United 0-0 - League of Ireland
(H) Finn Harps 3-0 - League of Ireland
(A) UCD 1-1 - League of Ireland
(H) Derry City 2-1 - League of Ireland
(A) Bohemians 2-1 - League of Ireland
One To Watch Aidan Kenna - The Bit O’Reds’ main threat tonight will be goalscorer Aidan Kenna. The striker is having a breakthrough year scoring nine goals this season in just 17 appearances. Having joined Sligo Rovers from Scottish League One side Falkirk in January, he got off the ground running, scoring the winner in a 2–1 victory away to St Patrick’s Athletic. The 23-year-old would then score a hat-trick at The Showgrounds against Finn Harps. This form throughout March would see him claim the League of Ireland Player of the Month award to cap off a super start to life in West Ireland.
So far this season, Kenna has managed to rack up eleven goals for his new side, which sees him sit atop of the goalscoring charts of the Premier Division. The Irishman, who has represented his country at youth level, spoke of his ambition to win the golden boot following his Player of the Month award and looks on course to do just that.
Manager
The Bit O'Reds boss is John Russell having been appointed on June 2nd last month. He previously was assistant manager before being promoted to take the reigns from former manager Liam Buckley. The Galway born midfielder ended his playing career as a player-coach at The Showgrounds having had three separate spells there. During his time at the club, he managed two FAI Cups, one League of Ireland Cup as well as the Setanta Sports Cup. He now brings new hope to his latest role with The Bit O’Reds. So far as manager, he has claimed a 3-0 victory over Finn Harps, a draw against Drogheda United and a well fought 3-1 win over Shelbourne respectively. Sligo sit 5th in the League of Ireland standings, eight points adrift of Derry City who hold the last automatic European qualification place in 3rd.
Officials Referee: Jason Barcelo Linesmen: Michael Gerard Macias & Daniel Gomez Gordillo Fourth official: Patrick Canepa
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