SUPER SUB COOPER STRIKES LATE TO SECURE SLIGO WIN

A CLINICAL injury-time free-kick by superb sub Alex Cooper sealed a thrilling win for Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds against visitors Waterford last night. The Blues will have headed home with a massive sense of regret having been moved from victory to defeat in a little over 10 minutes. John Sheridan’s side made the stronger start and took advantage of early uncertainty in the Sligo ranks to work the ball into space and create openings. With the home side subjected to concerted pressure, it was no surprise when Waterford took the lead after 16 minutes. The lively Tunmise Sobowale was put into space and his pass found Michael O’Connor who gave Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty no chance with a well-executed finish. Liam Buckley’s men gradually worked their way into the game but though they had their chances, it was Waterford who went in ahead at the break. They held their advantage under pressure in an entertaining contest until the 77th minute when Ronan Coughlan finished from close range having been picked out by Jesse Devers. As the game entered added time, a draw seemed inevitable until substitute Cooper arrowed his free-kick into the corner with a strike of exquisite precision to thrillingly secure Sligo’s third win of the season. SLIGO ROVERS: E McGinty; L Banks, R Donelon, D Kane, T Penninkangas, D Cawley, N Morahan, Junior, R Coughlan, R De Vries, J Devers. Booked: Kane, Penninkangas, Morahan. Scorers: Coughlan 77, Cooper 90+3. WATERFORD: T Ryan; R McCourt, J Davidson, S Bone, T Wilson, R Weir, O Sobowale, M Smith, W Longbottom, M O’Connor, K Byrne. Booked: Ryan, Davidson, Bone, Smith. Scorer: O’Connor 16. Referee: D McGraith (Mayo).