Maloney goal swings it

Sligo IT ... 2-4 Athlone IT ... 1-6 Sligo IT survived a late rally by a determined Athlone IT to hang on for victory by the most slender of margins at Kent Park, Ballydoogan yesterday.

A strong wind and heavy hail showers made it almost impossible to play constructive football; but credit is due to both teams for serving up high-class fare in spite of the conditions.

Sligo IT opened the scoring with a Rory Gallagher point in the second minute, and the home side were three points in front before James Gill raised Athlone's first flag after 20 minutes.

Full forward Brian Maloney got through for a decisive goal for the home side on the stroke of half time to give his team a 1-3 to 0-2 lead.

Paul Finlay increased Sligo's lead in the 38th minute as the Westmeath college struggled to get to grips with the game.

Trevor Mortimer reduced the deficit for the visitors, but a second Sligo IT goal after 41 minutes left Athlone with a mountain to climb.

Galway's Nicholas Joyce, who played with a lot of authority at left corner forward, gave the Athlone goalkeeper no chance with a superb shot.

The home side were now seven points in front and gaining in confidence.

Substitute Padraig Kilcummins sent over a point for Athlone as the midlanders began to exert more pressure on their opponents.

Mortimer reduced the deficit still further with a point from a free as the game entered the closing stages.

Athlone were right back in the game in the 25th minute when Donegal referee Mick McGrath, awarded them a penalty.

Michael Lowther dispatched the ball wide of Damian Sheridan in the home goal and Sligo were suddenly hanging on.

Athlone threw everything at their opponents in the tense closing minutes and they were still in with a chance of victory when Kilcummins pointed three minutes from time.

The final minutes were played in a blinding hail shower and in semi-darkness; but Sligo somehow hung on for a deserved win.

SLIGO IT: D Sheridan; J McKeon, A Higgins, P Kelly; D Higgins, D Hendy, S Grimes; D Boyle, M Moyles; P Finlay (0-2), R Gallagher (0-2), D McGrath; C Lohan, B Maloney (1-0), N Joyce (1-0). Subs: S O'Neill and D Barden.

ATHLONE IT: D Farrell; M Comer, P Coyne, R McGuire; A McPadden, D Blake, S Donoghue; J Gill (0-1), J O'Callaghan; F Wilson (0-1), T Mortimer (0-2), B Regan; C Gallagher, S Lohan, M Lowther(1-0). Sub: P Kilcummins (0-2).

Referee: M McGrath (Donegal)