An inspired substitution by Rovers manager Nicky Reid played rich dividends at the Showgrounds on Saturday night as his side grabbed a vital win against fellow strugglers Waterford United. Local winger Damian Kennedy was on the field for less than a minute when he pounced for a 56-minute winner, firing the ball home through a crowded goalmouth.
Waterford belied their lowly position with an impressive first-half display as they forced 10 corners to Sligo's one. Sligo improved as the game progressed and got the break they needed in injury-time at the end of the first period when Johnny Hoeks fired the ball low to the net from the edge of the area.
Waterford were back on level terms within four minutes of the re-start. Wesley Charles up-ended Karl Gannon in the area and Derek McGrath made no mistake from the resultant penalty.
SLIGO ROVERS: Broujos; Callaghan, Hutchinson, O'Grady, Charles, Hare, Rowlands, Ogden, Hallows, Hoeks, Lynch. Subs: Kennedy for Lynch (55 mins), Oates for Hoeks (90 mins).
WATERFORD UNITED: Devine; Smith, Frost, D McGrath, Riordan, T McGrath, Kirby, Flood, Gannon, Iorfa, Harkin. Subs: Griffin for Gannon, Wood for T McGrath (65 mins).
Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).
