Sligo are exactly where we need to be at this stage
HOW things can change in a couple of weeks, I refer back to my column of a few weeks ago where I mentioned that I would be happy with a mid- table position consolidating our Division Three status, as we had four games on the road with an abysmal away record over the last number of years. Now with three points on the table after results from two games against the pre- league favourites Armagh and Tipperary, it is ourselves and Louth all of a sudden that are the favourites with the bookies, for promotion to Division Two.
I’m sure the Sligo management team will be trying to manage expectations but the reality is that with the likes of Armagh and Tipperary having to play each other yet, we are where we need to be at this early stage in the season.
Next up is an away trip to Belfast in an unfamiliar setting at Corrigan Park. This venue was the main GAA Ground in Belfast up until 1953 when Casement Park was opened on the Andersonstown Road. As Casement Park is now closed for major renovation works, Antrim are playing all of their games at the home of club side St Johns. Belfast has been a happy hunting ground for Sligo over the past decade where we have had a number of impressive performances, however this is another big away challenge.
On paper this looks like a Sligo win after two unimpressive Antrim performances in the opening two games against Tipperary and Offaly, the latter who chalked up a considerable score against them. Having said that, the one thing that has been consistent in Division Three over the last number of years is its inconsistency, where underdogs regu- larly upset the form book. Antrim will have had two weeks to prepare for this, in what is a must win for them, if they are going to retain divisional status so Sligo will need to beware. While we haven’t played Antrim in a number of years where they always tried to play attacking football, I would expect something different this time.
This is based on the fact that after the two opening games of the National League Antrim has the highest number of scores against them out of all four divisions, at forty one points. I feel they will have no option in trying to keep the game tight as once again Sligo are at the top end of the ‘ scores for’ chart. In our previous two games, both Armagh and Tipperary played offensive football which suited us, however while we have three points on the table we have still conceded a high number of scores and its once again about getting that balance correct.
To achieve two more points we need to do what we did in Thurles for the first sixty five minutes that day, tackling tenaciously, turning the opposition over regularly and getting the ball into the last third as quickly as possible. When this was perfected the last day we looked impressive, but it needs to be done consistently for 75/ 76 minutes.
There is no doubt we have the scoring threat up front to win any game in this division, but it’s in the backline where we need to improve the stats. This does not mean it’s down to the defenders, as the modern game insists every player is a defender when not in possession.
The one area I have seen improvement during the last two games is, teams are not making the same ground up the middle as teams did last year. At times last season in the league, we looked very vulnerable when the opposition attacked us straight up the middle and looked like they could run in a goal at ease. I sense we have tightened up in this area keeping the middle more protected, forcing them down the wings where they don’t make the same ground, more often than not having to slow down their attack to recycle, giving us more time to regroup and maintain shape at the back.
If we continue to improve in this area we will return with two more valuable points that would set up a real promotion push.
With Ross Donovan back in the squad, Johnny Kelly of Tourlestrane committing this year, Pat Hughes hopefully returning shortly, there was only one other player that was missing in order for Niall Carew to have his strongest available panel in 2017, that being David Kelly. It therefore was great to hear during the week that David has returned to the squad, where he will not only add his talent, but leadership qualities. While I’m sure he will not be considered over the next number of weeks while getting up to the required fitness levels, it is a great boost, and all of a sudden it looks like the strongest Sligo panel for a number of years.
In the other games in Division Three, Tipperary travel to Portlaoise under Saturday night lights to play Laois who upset the accumulators with an away win in Armagh last time out. If they can repeat that form I would expect that they can gather another win. Under pressure, Armagh make the journey to Longford who are playing at the moment without Mickey Quinn and Brian Kavanagh two of their most notable performers, and I predict that Armagh will pick up the points in this one. Offaly under former Sligo Manager Pat Flanagan play table toppers Louth at home in Tullamore where they are slight favourites with the bookies after their mauling of Antrim, however I feel Louth look like a team that will remain top of the table Sunday night with Sligo in hot pursuit ( hopefully).