Door finally opens for Sligo as champions surrender title

Sligo: 1-13 - K Killeen 1-2; P Taylor 0-5 (3 frees); D Sloyane 0-2; S Davey, J McPartland, G McGowan, E O'Hara 0-1 each.

Mayo: 1-10 - K McDonald 1-1; T Mortimer 0-3; C McManaman 0-2; P Fallon 02; K O'Neill, A Higgins 0-1 each.

Referee: A Mangan (Kerry).

Bookings: Mayo - Kevin Mortimer; Sligo - P Naughton, N McGuire. Sent off: Mayo - J Horan.

Sligo learned how to win a championship match at Markievicz Park yesterday, an experience that may accelerate their development towards genuine contenders in Connacht this season.

So often dismissed with a pat on the head for gallantry in defeat, Sligo just about dredged enough self-belief to stagger over the winning line.

That their victory was merited would hardly be challenged by even the most ardent Mayo supporters; Sligo's lack of tactical nous and an inability to kill off the match offering their supporters a stomach churning afternoon where the team lurched between a comprehensive victory one moment and potential disaster the next.

Mayo, denuded of several key players through injury, contributed handsomely to their own downfall. A penchant for overplaying the ball without real penetration and some truly deplorable shooting - 13 wides to Sligo's four illustrates the disparity in accuracy - stymied several mini-revivals.

James Horan's sending off on 52 minutes for a petulant, off the ball swipe at Eamonn O'Hara, was arguably a little harsh but did not have a pivotal influence on proceedings.

Horan had been a peripheral figure for most of the match. His infrequent contributions usually culminating in a blocked shot. He was very well played by Noel McGuire.

Horan's sole notable intervention led to Mayo's goal on 30 minutes. Kevin O'Neill's high cross kick was fielded by Horan 15 metres from the Sligo goal and the latter's intelligent transfer to the onrushing Kieran McDonald was superbly finished to the net.

It seemed likely to kick-start the visitors and this was borne out by a couple of quick points from Colm McManaman which left the sides at 1-4 apiece with three minutes plus injury time to play in the half. It was a pivotal moment for Sligo's aspirations, a statement of intent was required and the home side responded in emphatic fashion.

A brace of points from excellent centre half forward Paul Taylor and another from John McPartland gave the Sligo side a three point interval cushion having played into a strong breeze.

It was a curious half for the home side not least for the fact that they raced into a 14 to 0-2 advantage, this despite losing two players in the first 19 minutes.

Padraig Naughton proved a very capable deputy for the injured Mark Cosgrove while Dessie Sloyan kicked two marvellous second half frees that kept his team's head and shoulders above water. Full forward Ken Killeen had revelled in the early exchanges kicking two points and grabbing a somewhat fortuitous goal from a miss-hit shot.

"I thought we started very well despite the fact that we were being beaten around midfield. We managed to get to the breaking ball. We just managed to keep that two to three points ahead. Since January our season has been geared towards June 11th. I thought that the backs put their bodies on the line."

One player who typified the grit and determination was midfielder Eamonn O'Hara. He enjoyed a storming game, tackling, harrying and carrying the ball forward with an unquenchable spirit that fired him through the frequent collisions. In the first half McManaman and a hard working Pat Fallon threatened to dominate but Mayo's misuse of the resultant possession was appalling.

Too often their short passing game was effortlessly directed down cul-de-sacs by the Sligo defence, the ball carrier swamped as he dithered. Ironically it was when Mayo adopted a more direct approach that they enjoyed better fortune in the opening 35 minutes. Their forward line was well shackled with the honourable exception of left corner forward and championship debutant Trevor Mortimer.

The Shrule/Glencorrib man scored three fine points from play and gave Mark Cosgrove, initially and then Naughton some difficult moments with his neat footwork. Sligo's ability to control their opponents half-forward line and the intelligent running of players like Taylor, Killeen, McGowan and McPartland should have provided the home side with an emphatic grip on the match.

Leading 1-7 to 1-4 at the interval, Sligo sat back a little and allowed Mayo grab a brace of points through O'Neill and Mortimer: but just as they had done in the first half, the home side responded to the pressure. By the 57th minute, Horan had departed and Sligo led 1-12 to 1-8 apparently easing towards a deserved victory.

Once again Sligo baulked in sight of victory and Mayo closed the gap to a couple of points through substitute Aidan Higgins and McDonald: the latter could have made it just a single score between the teams but pushed wide a very straightforward opportunity.

It was appropriate that O'Hara should becalm the tremors of apprehension that rippled through the crowd, striding 40 metres before flicking the ball over the bar. Sligo manager Mickey Moran admitted: "We got home in the end. I think we coped reasonably well in a tight, tense game. We're not world beaters but if we get a bit of luck on the day we can compete with anybody.

"We've come a long way, it's a good victory for the county. It's just one championship match, we've won nothing but it's a good start." Sligo will face 1998 All-Ireland champions Galway, fortified by a more positive mental approach that yesterday's victory will have fostered.