CONNACHT FBD FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LEITRIM 0-9
SLIGO 1-12

The final score-line may be a little harsh on the home side, with the goal coming deep into injury time at the end of the game, but the storming finish of the Sligo men secured a deserved victory for the Yeats men.

Leitrim had been looking for a victory that would have been a major boost for the start of the Allianz National League Division Four campaign next Sunday in Ballinamore against Waterford.

After a rip-roaring first half that saw both teams enjoys spells of dominance in a game that twisted one way and then the other, the dismissal of Sligo centre-back Mark Quinn saw Leitrim enjoy a renaissance as they over-turned a three point deficit.

That surge was led by the returned Emlyn Mulligan who oozed class and spoke of much promise for the coming months, a welcome sight for Leitrim fans.

But unfortunately that was the high point for Leitrim fans in Pairc Sean last Sunday as, once Leitrim got on level terms, Sligo brought on fresh reserves and started a devastating push for home that saw them claim the honours.

While the FBD League is of small consequence in the larger scheme of things, Sligo's stronger finish, allied with that of Galway the previous week, will not have pleased Mickey Moran or John Morrison as they commence a tough and difficult National League campaign.

Waterford mightn't be everyone idea of world beaters but they do possess a strong midfield and a physical team that will cause Leitrim problems in precisely the area where Leitrim are struggling at the moment, in the middle of the field.

Turn-over ball also cost Leitrim dearly as players tired badly in the last quarter and Sligo were able to take advantage at crucial times but again, it is something that will improve over the coming weeks with more preparation time than Leitrim have enjoyed in previous weeks.

With injuries not allowing Leitrim field their strongest hand in the FBD, it has given fringe players the chance to stake a claim to a starting place but the absence of the experienced Declan Maxwell, Shane Foley and Michael McGuinness has been sorely felt.

The open nature of the game was set in the first five minutes – Damien O'Donnell opened the scoring when he swung over the ball from the right corner after 40 seconds but Leitrim keeper Gareth Phelan was called quickly into action when he saved at close range from Colm McGee who was clean through on goal.

Sligo drew level through Mark Brehony, set up by a great run from Charles Harrison, while Manor's James Glancy was unlucky to see a shot come off the post.