Sligo Rovers' Brazilian midfielder Eduardo Pinceli says his side were left extremely frustrated following Saturday's defeat to Bohemians but believes the Bit O'Red's away form can help change their fortunes. Rovers have now lost six of their nine g
Sligo Rovers' Brazilian midfielder Eduardo Pinceli says his side were left extremely frustrated following Saturday's defeat to Bohemians but believes the Bit O'Red's away form can help change their fortunes.
Rovers have now lost six of their nine games played at the Showgrounds so far this term, but have managed to take eight points from their six games on the road.
Ger Lyttle's charges take on Waterford in the EA Sports Cup quarter final on Tuesday before facing tough league trips to both Dundalk and St Patrick's Athletic in the space of five days.
Looking ahead to the trip to Oriel Park, Pinceli says belief is the key.
"Of course we can get something from there. We've actually played better away from home. We've played our best stuff when we play away for some reason. But we need to believe we can get something going into that one too."
A win over Bohs would have put Rovers to within three points of St Pat's in sixth. But their eighth loss of the year sees them now looking nervously over their shoulder.
"We were missing chances", Eduardo reflects. "We showed a lot of fighting spirit before they scored but we didn't manage to score ourselves. It's been hard for us to find the goals in a lot of games this season so far.
"Unfortunately we're disappointed because if we beat Bohs it changes our situation. We start to look up. You want to be near St Pat's and the teams in front of them but instead we're looking down."
Saturday's loss was Sligo's first in four outings following draws with Pat's and Waterford and a win over Bray. But before Pinceli and his team mates can think about picking up more league points, the issue of the EA Sports Cup is first on the horizon.
Looking ahead to the Waterford clash and considering the prospect of Rovers' first EA Sports Cup success since 2010, Pinceli notes: "It would be great for our support and great for the town. We need to give our supporters some happiness because they deserve it.
"It's our target to get to a final, we've all spoke about that. So let's do our best but we need to improve to beat Waterford."
The former Fluminense man had kind words for Alan Reynolds' side who Sligo held to a 1-1 draw recently. Pinceli believes they are, on the eye at least, the best team currently in the League of Ireland.
"It depends on style. Cork and Dundalk of course are very strong but to me the best team is Waterford. They play the most football, they are good in possession and play a passing game. They have patience and when one side is closed they turn to the other side to try and create something.
"I think they have a good mix of Irish and foreign players down there so that helps them with their style. To me they are the best footballing team in Ireland."
Now 35 and having played in a number of leagues across the world, Pinceli says his latest venture is one of the most challenging he's experienced.
"This league is much more physical than the ones I've played in before. You have less time on the ball but you adapt, at least you try to! But I'm enjoying it, it's a nice experience and my family are very happy in Sligo and that's very important to me."
