IAN GILZEAN was the match-winner for Sligo Rovers when he scored both goals in their win over Cobh Ramblers at St Colman's Park on Saturday.

Gilzean's second goal came just nine minutes before the full-time whistle, as Sligo finally made their greater fitness and strength tell on a heavy pitch. Cobh did well to restrict them to just two goals.

The pairing evoked memories of the four-game saga between the clubs in the 1983 semi-final, when Ramblers were still in the Munster Senior League. For a brief period in the first half, it looked as if Cobh would again succeed in bridging the gap and force at least another game.

Within two minutes of Gilzean's first strike, Cobh were level. A long throw from John Murphy was met by Tom Cregoe and he headed past goalkeeper Mark McLean. This goal, after 25 minutes, came at a stage when Sligo were threatening to run away with the game.

The visitors were strong and full of running in the early stages and fully deserved to take the lead after 23 minutes when Gilzean turned the ball home, after James Mulligan's shot had rebounded off an upright.

Stronger and better balanced than Cobh, Sligo dominated the second half, controlling the game from midfield and seldom allowing Cobh a scoring opportunity.

They secured victory after 81 minutes, following a free from the left by Martin McDonnell. Dave Reid succeeded in knocking the ball into the middle of the penalty area, after McDonnell had floated his kick to the far upright, and Gilzean was unmarked as he turned the ball past goalkeeper Michael Devine as Cobh appealing in vain for an offside decision.