Galway defeat puts defending champions in must-win territory
Conor Walsh and Ronan Niland (pictured) both scored 1-2 for Sligo but it would be in vain. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Sligo’s hopes of making the semi-finals of this year’s Connacht U20 Championship received a major dent as Galway prevail in very entertaining contest last Wednesday evening in Tuam Stadium.
Galway came into the game on the back of the defeat against Mayo; meanwhile Sligo drew in their opening game against Roscommon.
The Tribesmen opened the scoring in the opening minute with Matthew Thompson getting his first point of the day after Conor Heneghan had played the ball in to Thompson.
Sligo responded with two points on the spin, the first point coming from Connor Flynn who got his first start at this level while Ross Doherty also added a point to put them ahead for the first time. Thompson had the sides level again for the second time through a mark before Sligo sent over another two points after nine minutes of play, including a 45’ from Eli Rooney which had the current champions in control.
The sides were level again on 14 minutes with scores from Thompson and Ciaran Mulhern. Sligo restored the lead a minute later when they netted the opening goal of the match. A wild effort from Ross Chambers dropped short and the ball was flicked on by Conor Flynn, which landed straight into hands of Conor Walsh who fired the ball to the corner of the net.
Derek Savage responded expertly from conceding the goal as they would score 1-5 without reply. Another point from Thompson was followed by him setting up the goal. He turned over Sligo ‘keeper Ethan Carden and then passed ball onto Colm Costello, who in turned fed it to Conor Heneghan who finished the ball to the net.
Sligo struggled after the goal to get back into the game as they would concede further points as they trailed 1-9 to 1-4 ,with pick of the scores coming from Shay McGlinchey. Sligo did get two points before the break but they still were behind by five at half-time, 1-11- 1-6.
Things got worse for Sligo as Colm Costello struck 1-1 in the opening four minutes of the second half to leave nine behind, meaning Galway had outscored Sligo 2-7 to 0-2 since the Sligo goal.
To their credit, Sligo responded well. Conor Sheridan fisted the ball over after ball in from Conor Johnston this should been a goal and this was followed by point from Rooney to cut the deficit to seven points.
Sligo were given lift line when they netted for their second goal on 45 minutes when a free from Luke Marren dropped short and was finished to the net by Ronan Niland.
McDaniel did reduce the gap to three points with five to play but Derek Savage’s side managed the game well to ensure they came away with victory by four points. This result puts Sligo in real danger of not making the semi-finals with a must-win game against Leitrim tomorrow (Wednesday) evening Markievicz Park.
