Sloyan hoping momentum continues
EASKEY will look to build on the momentum of two big wins over Leitrim and Mayo opponents when they take on Galway champions Clonbur in this weekend’s Connacht Junior Football Championship Final.
Dessie Sloyan’s men were first out in this year’s series just two weeks ago when they beat Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher, before seeing off Balla seven days later.
Saturday’s final, expected to take place at Quigabar, will see Sligo represented for a second time in as many years.
However it’s almost two decades since a club from the Yeats County brought home a Connacht Junior title.
Speaking following his team’s seven point win over the Mayo champions in Kilglass at the weekend, Sloyan says the impressive victory over the Leitrim champions gave them the bounce required to see off Balla.
Taking on Clonbur just seven days later, he feels, will keep momentum ticking over ahead of Saturday’s decider.
“Those games were a huge plus for us”, he stated. “Balla could have played challenge matches but the fact we got a run out in last weekend stood to us and we’ll look to continue that next weekend. It’s more of an even playing field in the final because (Clonbur) will have played Sunday.”
Three first half goals had the Blues well in the ascendancy on Saturday despite Balla setting out a defensive stall for prolonged periods in the first half. But Sloyan praised his team’s ability to pick off their opponents.
“We got off to a great start, built on that and went in at half-time and said we wouldn’t concede any goals in the second half. Sometimes, when you score so early on, that can backfire. But we managed to build on it.
“But we expected Balla to sit back and prevent us from getting through them. We were patient and found holes. Every team in the country has to train for blanket defences. We held the ball and moved it well, we weren’t static which was the big thing.”
The men from the west lost Rory McHugh to a first half black card, but steadied the ship to go in at the interval six points up thanks to Kevin Duffy’s goal before the break.
“It was the big score of the game because it settled us”, Sloyan says. “We lost Rory but we responded well. We went in at half-time knowing this was our game and it was all about holding out in the second half.”
Sloyan will also hope that half-forward Emmet Healy’s red card he picked up for an off the ball incident will be rescinded, after Easkey were understood to have appealed the decision.
“I thought it was a bit crazy”, Sloyan said of the decision. “He went in to split up two lads fighting on the ground and he gets sent off for it! It’s a pity, but it’s something we have to live with.”