Sligo Rovers secured their first home win of the season at the Showgrounds on Saturday night when a second-half goal by centre back Jim Sheridan was enough to give them the points against Connacht neighbours, Galway United. Galway went into the game on the back of four successive defeats, but they looked the more adventurous side in the early stages and Sligo goalkeeper Matt Boswell had to produce a spectacular double save to keep out efforts from Gareth Gorman and Eric Lavine in the 14th minute.

Sligo gradually gained control and Glen Shannon missed two golden opportunities, heading wide of the target from close range on each occasion. The decisive goal came four minutes after the break. Eddie Hickey did well to keep out an effort from Padraig Moran, but Sheridan was left unmarked to head home the corner from six yards.

Galway, to their credit, tried all they knew to get back into contention, but their hopes were dealt a cruel blow when striker Jason Kabia was sent off for a second bookable offence seven minutes from time.

Sligo Rovers: Boswell, Rossiter, Bonner, McInally, Sheridan, Lynch, Marshall, Findlay, Shannon, O'Grady, Moran. Subs: Charles for Marshall (45 mins), Gilroy for O'Grady (55 mins), McCann for Moran (90 mins).

Galway United: Hickey, Watson, Morgan, Foley, Cleary, Dolan, Neary, Gorman, Kabia, Lavine, Keogh. Subs: O'Donnell for Keogh (67 mins), Keane for Morgan (67 mins), Killeen for Gorman (76 mins).

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).