FBD League – Round 3
Leitrim 0-12 Sligo 0-7
It was the last round robinÓgame of the FBD league for 2008 and Leitrim put in a good work man like performance in the second half to take the spoils against a lack lustre Sligo squad. Three players from last weeks game were not available today due to injury. Barry Prior was replaced by Drumkeerin’s Stephen Feeney and Leitrim had a completely new half forward line as Darren Duignan, Ciaran Duignan and Philip McGuinness replaced Colin Regan and Michael Foley while Emlyn Mulligan moved into the full forward line with James Glancy and Donal Brennan. It remained dry throughout the game but the going was heavy as Sligo played into the scoreboard end in the first half.
The first half was very low Scóring with a total of seven points registered and it was Leitrim who headed for the dressing rooms with a 1 point advantage. The half started with 3 wides for Leitrim from James Glancy, Donal Brennan and Emlyn Mulligan. Followed by a wide from Sligo from Mark Breheny. Daniel Daveys attempt was successful as he opened the Sligo account with a point from play. Another Sligo point followed from Eamon Cawley and Sligo were in control of the middle of the field as they applied a lot of pressure on the half backs and midfield. Another wide for Sligo and it was in the 14th minute Leitrim got a break and Darren Duignan who appeared on the right wing to kick over a point from distance. Darren’s next attempt was a wide but Ciaran Duignan made his mark with a point from play. Leitrim were back winning possession in defence as they held tight with notable performances from John McKeon, Stephen Feeney and Dermot Reynolds but once the ball went passed midfield a lot of attacks went astray due to poor passing. Leitrim were lucky on two occasions when Sligo hit the upright and the ball fell nicely to a green and gold jersey each time.
Gerry McGowan brought Sligo’s score to 3 points while both teams traded wides at the either end. James Glancy put Leitrim in front and this was followed up by Emlyn Mulligan. Half Time Leitrim 0-4 Sligo 0-3
Leitrim took over in the second half despite a bright start from Sligo with 3 attempts resulting in a point and two wides. Donal Brennan was replaced by David O’Connor and Michael Foley who was also brought on at half time for McGuinness pointed for Leitrim. This was followed quickly by a point from play from Ciaran Duignan flowing a nice move through centre field. Brehany and Cawley came back with two points from play and then Leitrim responded with six unanswered points. Four from Mulligan and two inspirational points from Shane Foley and Michael Duignan both long range and from sweeping moves from defense.
The final score came from Sligo’s Eamon Cawley but the game was in the bag for Leitrim at this stage. The introduction of all 5 substitutes in the second half definitely added a breath of fresh air and life to a hard working team with satisfactory performances in many areas of the field.
While both teams are in need of more training this game at least will give Sligo something to think about on their return in the National League on March 16th.
Full Time Leitrim 0-12 Sligo 0-7
Leitrim:
nÓgill, D Reynolds, J McKeon, A O’Flynn, S Feeney, B McWeeney, S Foley (0-1), G. McCloskey, M Duignan (0-1), D Duignan (0-1), C Duignan (0-2), P McGuinness, J Glancy (0-1), E Mulligan (0-5), D Brennan.
Subs: M Foley (0-1) for P McGuinness (HT), D O’Connor for D Brennan for (HT), C Kennedy for A O’Flynn (57min), P Howard for J Glancy, N Murray for G McCloskey (60m).
Sligo:
P Greene, B Kivlehen, N McGuire, P Naughton, P McGovern, M McNamara, J Davey, K Byrne, P Wilson, D Davey (0-1), M Breheny (0-2), P Lyons, E Cawley (0-3), D McTernan, G McGowan (0-1)
Subs: B Curran for E Cawley, P Gallagher for D Davey (55 min) K Quinn for J Davey (58 min)
Ref: Ollie Kelly (Roscommon)
20-Jan-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
