Sligo's chance to prove their true standing

CONNACHT FINAL SLIGO v ROSCOMMON  SLIGO MAY well become the prototype for many county football teams who have flattered to deceive in recent years. They have shown how quickly a team can shake off the stigma of being a Division Four outfit, swiftly rising through the tables and in the space of a few short weeks clearing the Connacht championship of the old monolith, Galway v Mayo.

For the first time since 1947, neither of the big powers in the west will play in the provincial decider.

Roscommon clearly came through the easier part of the draw and still made heavy work of a Leitrim team weakened not only by injuries but struggling in the aftermath of the death of Philly McGuinness.

But Roscommon have form when it comes to bucking trends in Connacht finals, as Mayo found to their cost in 2001.

In Karol Mannion, David Casey and Cathal Cregg and Ger Heneghan, they have hard-earned championship experience.

Sligo started slowly against both Mayo and - in the replay - against Galway. Also, the way that both Mayo and Galway exited the championships might tempt people to revise the significance of Sligo's form.

Tony Taylor is restored to the starting line up and Colm McGee, who made such a telling impact when introduced against Galway, has earned his start.

The Sligo game depends on the organisation and energy of their defensive unit. Everything builds from there. If Roscommon can devise a plan that introduces disorganisation in the Sligo defence, then it could be game on.

SLIGO:P Greene; C Harrison, N McGuire, R Donovan; K Cawley, B Phillips, J Davey; T Taylor, S Gilmartin; A Costello, M Breheny, E O'Hara; C McGee, A Marren, D Kelly.

ROSCOMMON:G Claffey; S McDermott, P Domican, S Ormsby; S Purcell, C Dineen, D Casey; M Finneran, K Mannion; D Keenan, P Garvey, C Cregg; J Rogers, S Shine, G Heneghan.

Referee:J White (Donegal).

In The Last Episode:The counties met at the semi-final stage three years ago, Sligo had a spread of seven scorers and won by 0-13 to 2-5.

In Division Three of the league this year, Sligo won by seven points.

You Bet:Sligo's form places them in the novel position of being favourites. They are 2/7. Roscommon are 7/2.

On Your Marks:Donal Shine has graduated from Fergal O'Donnell's All-Ireland minor winning team to a key player for Roscommon. He scored 1-7 against Leitrim.

Gaining Ground:McHale Park is one of the established Connacht football theatres. It is familiar to both teams. Sligo showed in the drawn match against Galway in Salthill they have a play-anywhere mentality.

Just the Ticket:Stand €35. Sideline seating €25. Children €5. OAP discounts apply.

Crystal Gazing:Roscommon have delighted in playing the poor man in the build up to this final but must secretly fancy their chances. However, the favourites have the experience and the form.