Sligo moved into second place with a comfortable win over Waterford at Markievicz Park. Waterford belied their bottom-of-the table position with a lively first-half performance, but Sligo's greater teamwork told in the end as they dominated the second period.
There was little between the sides for much of the opening half, but a well taken goal by Dessie Sloyane helped Sligo to a 1-5 to 1-2 lead at the interval.
Sligo adapted better to the difficult conditions after the break and three points in quick succession by the impressive Sean Davy put them firmly in the driving seat.
Then, after 43 minutes, Sligo struck for their second goal by Paul Taylor, which effectively ended the game as a contest.
Anthony Fitzgerald, who accounted for 1-5 of his side's tally, kicked three splendid frees to raise Waterford's hopes. But Sligo were rarely in danger in the closing stages and made sure of the points with two late scores from the hard-working John McPartland.
SLIGO: P Walsh; T McGuinn, N McGuire, M Cosgrove; R Keane, N Clancy, J Joyce; E O'Hara, P Durcan; B Walsh, D Sloyane (1-1), S Davy (0- 3); E Cawley, P Taylor (1-3), J McPartland (0-3). Subs: R Brennan for Clancy (47 mins), D Kevany for Durcan (52 mins), B Kilcoyne for Sloyane (57 mins).
WATERFORD: K Cotter; J Crotty, D McMahon, D Crotty; L Dalton, G Walsh, L Hurney; R Power (0-2), W Kavanagh; D Whelan, K Whelan, C Watt; F Cunningham, M Power, A Fitzgerald (1-5). Sub: P Fitzgerald for Watt (39 mins).
Referee: G Kinneavy (Galway)
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