Manager says that win was merited at MacSharry Park
OSCAR TRAYNOR CUP 2023-24 SLIGO-LEITRIM’S RESULTS
CONNACHT REGION – R1: Mayo 1, SligoLeitrim 0 (October 1); R2: Sligo-Leitrim 4 (Ryan McManus 2, Christopher Kelly, Jordan Harte), Roscommon 0 (October
29); R3: Sligo-Leitrim 2 (Mark McGoldrick, Malachy Spratt), Galway 1 (January 14).
SLIGO-Leitrim manager John Loftus expressed his delight at his side’s progress to the knockout stages of this season’s FAI Oscar Traynor Inter-League Cup against opponents from the Leinster Region.
Last Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat of Galway confirmed SligoLeitrim’s place in next month’s last eight, with two Carbury FC players, Mark McGoldrick and Malachy Spratt, on target.
“I thought it was a good performance – games can be tight at this level – and we were deserving winners,” said Loftus following the game at MacSharry Park’s all-weather pitch.
“Our first goal from Mark McGoldrick was a good finish and for the second one Mal [Malachy Spratt] had to run half the length of the pitch to stick it away. He was carrying a bit of a knock so we only put him on the bench – he was delighted to come on for the last few minutes.”
Loftus, who is assisted by Lee Marshall and Adrian Burke, emphasised the importance of squad depth as a number of rising stars of the Sligo-Leitrim District Soccer League, including a number of ex-Sligo Rovers Academy players, have been blooded in the Oscar Traynor Cup.
“We have a good core group that have committed to us for this season – so other lads
have come in.
Eoin Stinchon was outstanding for us in midfield – this was his first start for us. Gary Farren, who is only 17, came on as well.
He continued: “Ryan McManus showed his experience in defence and Bryan Lynch did well – we looked really solid at the back. But our front three pressed really well.
“At 2-0, our goalkeeper Ronan Callaghan made a great save – I thought it was in. A goal at that stage could have changed the game.”
Sligo-Leitrim have undeniably underachieved at inter-league level – their sole title came in the mid-1980s – but Loftus pointed out that games in the Oscar Traynor Cup are usually tight and the standard improves when a team progresses beyond the group stage.
“We should have lads back for the quarter-final,” he added, “hopefully we will be as strong as possible for it.
“It is a one-off game and at inter-league level there will be nothing in these games. If you don’t concede then you are in with a good chance of winning games.”