Elding keeps Sligo Rovers in cruise control at the top despite Shelbourne’s best efforts

Anthony Elding scored in each half as Sligo Rovers extended their unbeaten run to seven games at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.

But Ian Baraclough’s table -toppers didn’t have it all their own way. A spirited Shelbourne side battled bravely and made Rovers work hard for their win.

Sligo went ahead after 15 minutes when Elding fired to the Shelbourne net from close range following good build-up play by Raffaele Cretaro and Aaron Greene.

Shelbourne were still well in the game when the teams re -appeared for the second half.

Sligo’s goalkeeper Gary Rogers had to be alert to keep a well-directed Robert Bayly free-kick out in the 55th minute.

But the visitors’ task suddenly became more of an uphill struggle when Elding struck for his second goal in the 59th minute.

Earlier Elding was denied after just two minutes when Shelbourne goalkeeper Niall Burden, who picked up a knock in the pre-match warm-up, was quick off his line to avert the danger .

Burden played a major part in keeping the score down.

Cretaro went close in the 17th minute but Elding was kept a bay by another timely interception by the Shelbourne keeper after 40 minutes.

Dean Kelly caused a couple of anxious moments in the Sligo goal from a corner kick Gary Rogers was forced into a smart save to keep a headed effort by Pat Flynn out.