Boys in Black end relegation worries
Niall Murphy kicked 0-8 as Sligo recorded a big win over Antrim in Division 3. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Sligo made it three wins on the spin as a strong second half performance from the home side saw them come from a point down to win in comprehensive fashion.
Tony McEntee’s side opened the scoring on three minutes when Darragh Cummins got on the end of move which involved Brian Cox and Pat Spillane but despite the early dominance, it was the Saffs who got the opening goal of the match against the run of play as a mark from Ruairi McCann dropped short and was flicked to the net by corner back Ronan Boyle.
The response from the concession of the goal from the home side was impressive with three points on the spin through a brace from Niall Murphy and a second point from Darragh Cummins to have the sides level after 18 minutes of play.
The sides cancelled each other out as they were level again on 24 minutes before Sligo would take control of the half on 27 minutes as Sligo netted a goal of their own through Cian Lally. Spillane and Donal Conlon were involved before Lally finished to the net.
Spillane added a point soon after for Sligo to lead by four points but Andy McEntee’s Antrim would dominate the remainder of the half as they six points without reply to go from being four down to two points in front, with four points coming from Patrick McBride.
Sligo badly needed a score and that is what they hit before the end of the half with point from Patrick O’Connor as he was found by Sean Carrabine to leave just a point between the sides at the break, 1-9 to 1-8.
Just like the first half, Sligo started the second half brightly and it was O’Connor who drew his side level. Lally and Carrabine were involved the move which started from the throw up in what was was encouraging start for the home side.
This was then followed by excellent point on the terrace side from Carrabine as he pointed from an acute angle to put Sligo back in front.
McBride got his sixth point soon after to level the sides once again but a brace from Murphy put Sligo back into the lead and it would be a lead they would not relinquish.
Colm McLarnon responded with a point on 41 minutes for the Glensmen but that would be as close as they would get as Sligo controlled the reminder of the match.
Three further points from Sligo put four between the sides, with substitute Lee Deignan among the scores. Niall Burns responded with a free for Antrim after 56 minutes but they would only manage one more point as Sligo dominated the final quarter with scores from Luke Towey and Murphy to ease any relegation concerns for the home supporters.
Sligo can now look forward to a promotion run in with two more home games but before that they have difficult task away to Down next Sunday.
