A point to prove over Wicklow

SLIGO MANAGER Pat Flanagan says his side has a point to prove against Wicklow in Saturday’s Round 2A All- Ireland Qualifier in Aughrim.

Flanagan said: “We did not perform to the best of our ability against Galway in the Connacht semi- final.

“Fellows now have a chance to get out and prove it.

“It’s no good talking about it afterwards, now is the time for us to step up to the challenge.”

The sides previously met in a qualifier at the same venue in June, 2011 and Wicklow emerged 1- 18 to 0- 16 winners.

In 2007, the Yeats County beat Wicklow to stay in Division Three. Flanagan is expecting a tough test, but feels his team is capable of progressing.

The Sligo boss said: “After the Galway game, we talked about the qualifiers and we were all determined to give it a go. We were all disappointed at how we played against Galway.

“There were a couple of things that could have swung it for us. We had a few scoring opportunities we did not take.

“We kicked three bad wides at the start of the second half and that might have made a big difference. That’s gone now and we look forward to Wicklow. Obviously, we would have preferred a home draw, but you have to take what you are given.”

Sligo have one major injury concern ahead of the game. Corner- forward Pat Hughes limped out of the Galway defeat in Markievicz Park with an ankle ligament problem.

Flanagan said: “We’ll see how Pat goes in the coming days. Other than that, we are okay. Adrian Marren is coming back to full fitness and that’s a boost. The lads just want to get out and get playing again and our aim is to win.”

The game throws- in at 5pm.