Ed McGinty ‘adding to his Sligo Rovers legacy’ as John Russell hails ‘incredible goalkeeper’

Rovers were leading 2-1 against ten man Dundalk, and with Jon Daly's side putting the pressure on Rovers' rearguard in additional time, McGinty pulled off an incredible one handed save from Norman Garbett's header from close range to deny Dundalk an equaliser.

It was certainly one for the show-reel, and Russell ran on the pitch at full-time to embrace McGinty who he saves will go on to play at a higher level once his Rovers spell ends and he returns to Oxford.

"It was incredible. He's an incredible goalkeeper. He's been huge for us this season. He's adding to his legacy at the club at the moment. We all know he's going to go to a higher level. For our fans, to witness that save tonight, it's got us a big three points tonight."

The Bit O'Red had to come from behind on Saturday with Dundalk leading 1-0 at half-time thanks to Robbie Benson's penalty on 24 minutes.

Wilson Waweru made it 1-1 in the second-half, with Ellis Chapman slotting his penalty past Ross Munro to ensure all three points for Rovers, although they had to work hard for it.

With Dundalk fighting for their lives on and off the pitch, Russell had expected a big reaction from Daly's men, but his players knew what was expected of them.

"Delighted with the victory. Probably not our best performance of the season but at this stage, it's about getting three points on board. We're down to the last couple of matches. We knew the importance of the game.

"To be going in 1-0 down at half-time is frustrating. I felt we didn't come out of the traps fast enough, we knew Dundalk had something to play for tonight. They were going to come with lots of energy and intensity and they brought that.

"To concede a penalty was really frustrating, I think we had one or two chances first half, Simon's hit the post. Second-half we knew we had to come out, to get ourselves back in the game was really important. We had one cleared off the line before we ended up getting that goal through Wilson and brilliant to get the the penalty through Ellis and the three points."

The penalty awarded to Dundalk was one of the talking points from this game, with the ball bouncing off Connor Malley's leg and on to his hand.

Fortunately for Rovers, it didn't cost them anything, and Russell didn't need to speak about this decision at length.

"I thought it was very dubious. It popped up, I don't think it's a blatant handball. I think there was probably a shout for us in their box as well in the first half.

"I haven't seen any of them back. It is what it is. It's all season, different decisions going for and against teams, thankfully it hasn't hurt us tonight."

Wilson Waweru, who was forced off injured, and Ellis Chapman scored in the second-half as Rovers asserted themselves better after the restart.

You got the feeling that the equaliser was coming, and Waweru scored a brilliant goal to bring Rovers level, with Chapman tucking his penalty past Munro minutes later.

"It was coming. We had one where the keeper made a good save and Fitzy came in and tried to knock it but it cleared off the line. We were applying that pressure, it was important we got that goal and we had plenty of time to get the second one.

"Really good goal for Wilson, he's done really well this year. Unfortunately he's come off injured there, Luke (Pearce) came in and made a big impact. Kailin Barlow came off the bench, delighted with that three points.

"Luke's been brilliant coming off the bench, he's been champing at the bit, he's been frustrated that he's not getting more starts but Wilson has been in good form, he got player of the month.

"He had to wait for his opportunities for the last 20/30 minutes of games. Brilliant run over the top, got his body in front and won the penalty."

Rovers have now won seven out of seven league games at home. It's something Russell highlighted from the very start of the season, and Rovers' performances at home have given fans reason to come out in their numbers and support them.

"We needed that. It's the seventh home win in a row, we've got serious form. We've made this a fortress, the crowd have really got behind the team in the second-half. Gave us energy and impetus. The players drove on, Luke made a big impact coming into the game, Ellis played a brilliant ball over the top, he's won the penalty and Ellis has stuck it away.

"It was a bit nervy towards the end. We had to rely on Ed McGinty, he's come up with some big moments this season, that's why he's the best keeper in the league. Even when teams get really good opportunities it's so hard to score against him. He's come up with a brilliant save."

Rovers will learn later this week of the full extent of Wilson Waweru's injury, with the Galway man feared to have ruptured his Achilles tendon.

"It did look serious. He was in a lot of pain. We have to wait and see," Russell said.