Sligo battle hard but it’s Donegal who take win

THE strong wind was a huge factor in this opening round of the Celtic Challenge, favouring Donegal in the first half. In the first few minutes Sligo’s Michael McDonagh and Luke Tuffy had a couple of goal chances, but they were saved by Donegal’s goalie.

Donegal had two frees in the early stages but both drifted wide. They finally got on the scoreboard with a free from their full forward followed by a point from play. Their opening goal came from distance out the field to give Donegal a lead of 1-2 to 0-0. Edwin Rolston got Sligo’s first point from play and a subsequent foul on him was converted by Ryan O’Donnell. Sligo had yet another goal chance but failed to capitalise.

Donegal added two points from frees to extend their lead. Disaster then struck as a free taken by Donegal midfielder ended up in the back of the net.

Another free converted by Donegal left the half time score Donegal 2-5, Sligo 0-2. Of Donegal’s tally 1-5 had come from frees.

The second half opened with a goal chance for Michael Mc Donagh which resulted in a ‘65. Sligo did however score three unanswered points, all from frees taken by Luke Tuffy.

Donegal added two points before Michael McDonagh scored a point from play to leave the score 0-6 to 2-8.Sligo introduced Thomas O’ Brien. Sligo to their credit battled hard in the closing stages and were finally rewarded with a goal from Luke Tuffy. The final score of the game was a free taken by Donegal’s full forward.

Sligo will be disappointed that they didn’t use the wind to full advantage in the second half and would regret the concession of frees particularly in the first half. Despite this,there was good team work on the field and much to look forward to in the next game on Saturday against Westmeath. SLIGO scores: Michael McDonagh (0-1), Edwin Rolston (0-1),Ryan O’Donnell (0-1f),Luke Tuffy (14(4f). Subs used: Thomas O’ Brien,Paddy Healy, Liam Hargadon .

REFEREE: N Mullaney(Tyrone).