Monaghan make it tough but Sligo stay top

Table toppers Sligo Rovers prolonged their stay at the top of Premier Division with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Monaghan United last night.

New manager Ian Baraclough knew he had a tough test against him coming into the game and Roddy Collin’s side proved him right in a competitive 1affair. Mons did everything right with a tight defence and a midfield that competently challenged the Westerners but Sligo tested United’s goal on a few occasions. Chris Bennion was forced into action in the 35th minute when Joseph Ndo’s corner found Raffaelle Cretaro who, in turn, gave the ball to Lee Lynch. Lynch’sattempt was pushed over the crossbar by the sparkling Bennion.

The second-half was only four minutes old when Danny North put Sligo Rovers ahead following sloppy defence by Monaghan United. Cretaro picked North out in the box and the ex-St Patrick’s Athletic player took advantage of the space around him to slot home.