Galway minors scrape past Sligo counterparts

Galway 1-5 Sligo 0-7

Gerry Fahy's debut as Galway minor football manager ended on a winning note as the Tribesmen held out for a one-point victory in the ESB Connacht MFC at Tuam Stadium.

Sligo top scorer David Maye had a late chance to secure extra-time but the free proved impossible for the Tubbercurry clubman whose difficult kick into the wind from 55 metres out trailed wide of the target.

Sligo led by 0-5 to 0-2 at the interval, and built up a four-point lead within a minute of the restart, with Maye kicking his fourth point.

Galway rued six first half wides but kept in touch thanks to the efforts of Eric Monaghan who kicked three points, including two in the opening half.

More scoring opportunities fell Galway's way on the restart but they still had plenty of wayward chances, bringing their wides tally to 14 by the full-time whistle.

Yet Galway never gave up as a 43rd-minute goal from Cathal Sweeney brought the hosts right back into contention.

Substitute Sweeney was just a minute on the pitch when he sprung into life, combining with his brother Patrick for the goal which propelled Galway into the lead for the first time.

Galway failed to look back as they got on top in the midfield sector with the Sweeney duo and Monaghan among those to impress.

Sligo could only manage one further point in the game. Maye was on target for his fifth point with four minutes remaining but Galway held out for a slender win.