Walsh claims Sligo effort ‘scandalous’
The Saffrons won the encounter by a point thanks to Tomas McCann’s 75th minute free after a draw looked the likely outcome.
The sides were level five times throughout the 70 minutes and when Sligo sub Colm McGee landed a 73rd minute free to tie the scores at 0-12 apiece, both managers would probably have settled for a share of the spoils. But with Charlie Harrison blown up for over-carrying, McCann coolly slotted over the resultant match winner from 50 yards.
Antrim dominated the opening half but were guilty of woeful finishing, notching eight wides, en route to taking a point lead at the break (0-6 to 0-5).
Sligo dominated the third quarter and led 0-10 to 0-7 with two points from McGee helping edge them ahead.
Antrim fought back however and the sides were tied for the fifth time on 71 minutes when McGee landed his third point. But with virtually the last kick of the game, McCann sealed a win for the Saffrons they just about deserved.
ANTRIM: C Kerr; P Gallagher, D O’Hagan, M McAleese; T Scullion, J Crozier, J Loughery; C Murray (0-1), C Kelly; T McCann (0-5, 0-4f, 0-1 ‘45’), K Brady (0-1), M Armstrong; B Neeson (0-3), M Sweeney, P Cunningham (0-2f) Subs: S McDonagh for C Murray (48), S Finch (0-1) for M Seweney (56), M Johnston for P Gallagher (60)
SLIGO: V Cadden; C Harrison, J Martyn, R O’Donovan; J Davey, S McManus, P McGovern; B Egan, E Mullen; M Breheny (0-2, 0-1f), A Costello, P Hughes (0-1); S Coen, A Marren (0-5, 0-3f), N Murphy Subs: J Clarke (0-1) for S Coen (43), C McGee (0-3, 0-1f) for N Murphy (48), D Rooney for S McManus (60), T Taylor for B Egan (66), S Gilmartin for A Costello (74) Referee: M Higgins (Fermanagh)