Waterford's 2-1 win over Athlone Town last weekend has given them a much-needed boost, but Sligo Rovers must win their Showgrounds showdown to keep survival hopes alive. The Blues are currently eighth in the Premier Division, with 28 points from 27 games, and a win would narrow the gap to within three points. Sligo Rovers, on the other hand, are bottom of the table with 22 points, and a defeat would leave them nine points behind Waterford. The match is a must-win for Sligo Rovers, who are searching for their own version of Waterford's turnaround under Graham Coughlan. Coughlan has brought energy, honesty, and demands to the team, and the response has been remarkable. Tommy Lonergan has led the league's scoring charts with 14 goals, and the team's improvement is not accidental. Players generally want clarity, and Coughlan has given Waterford a clear purpose. His experience has undoubtedly helped, and he has done exactly what the team needed. Sligo Rovers, on the other hand, are now searching for their own version of the same transformation. The appointment of Darren Purse was a brave decision, and he has brought experience to the team. Luke Young and Kaiyne Woolery have added experience to a young squad, and the return of injured players gives Purse a few more options than he had during his opening weeks. The league form can't be dressed up, and Sligo Rovers need to turn the Showgrounds into a fortress. Five of their remaining nine matches are at home, and their survival will probably be decided by what happens in front of their own supporters. The next few years are critical for Sligo Rovers, and the club operates under constant financial strain. Its funding and structural model is being examined and voted upon this September, and the ambitious redevelopment of the Showgrounds is scheduled to begin next year. Those are enormous decisions to make while fighting relegation. Dropping into the First Division would be harmful, and commercial income and recruitment would be tested in a manner unlike they've seen in recent years. Staying up does not solve every problem, but it provides a stronger platform from which to solve them. That is why tonight is such a huge game. Waterford represent what can happen when the correct appointment changes belief quickly. Sligo must hope Purse can create a similar impact before time runs out. A win would not secure survival, but it would pull Waterford back towards them, restore belief amongst the Showgrounds faithful, and offer Sligo the one thing every struggling club desperately needs at this stage of a season. Hope.