U19 Northern: Sligo Rovers 3 - 0 Letterkenny Rovers
Credit:
Sligo Rovers moved to within one point of securing their first U-19 Northern Division title with a dominant 3-0 win at home to Letterkenny Rovers on Sunday afternoon. Leaders Dundalk finished their U-19 campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Derry City on Saturday, which puts both sides level at the top on 21 points. It means Sligo Rovers just need to avoid defeat away to bottom of the table Fanad United next weekend.
Sligo Rovers first chance of the game came in the 26th minute when Michael Casey swung the ball in from the left which was headed just wide of the goal by Ruairi Keating. The Bit O'Red went in front just a minute later when Letterkenny's Michael Herrity handballed in the area and referee Paul Deering pointed to the spot, Donegal man Shane McGinty sent Letterkenny's Jason Quinn the wrong way from the penalty kick.
Just three minutes later Sligo Rovers extended their lead when McGinty's corner fell to Ryan McManus, his mis-hit shot fell to Ruairi Keating who struck the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Keating had the ball in the Letterkenny goal once again just before half time but it was ruled out for offside.
Rovers dominated once again in the early stages of the second half and had a chance to go three ahead when Cian Brennan played the ball in to Ruairi Keating who found Patrick Woulfe in on goal but his shot forced a good save from Jason Quinn and out for a corner. Letterkenny Rovers first real chance came in the 78th minute when Kevin McGrath found himself with lots of free space in the middle and decided to have a strike from outside the 18 yard box, Sligo Rovers keeper Adam Murphy did well to tip it over the crossbar.
In the 85th minute Sligo Rovers wrapped up the three points when they were awarded a free-kick in front of goal. Clever thinking from Shane McGinty saw him get his second of the game straight from the free-kick, much to the protests from the Letterkenny players as their keeper was still in the middle of lining up their wall, however the referee allowed the goal to stand. Cian Brennan had one last chance to get on the score-sheet a minute later but his shot from outside the box went just wide and it finished 3-0 to the Rovers of Sligo.
Next week's title decider with Fanad United kicks off at 7pm on Sunday February 3rd at Tragh-a-Lough, Portsalon in Donegal.
Sligo Rovers: Adam Murphy, Shane O'Rourke, Michael Casey, Hugh McFadden, Jake Dykes, Ryan McManus, Gary Armstrong (Cian Brennan 63), Ben McGarry (Darren Kilcawley 46), Ruairi Keating (Jack Selby 75), Shane McGinty, Patrick Woulfe.
Subs not used: Brian Glennon, Colm Callinan, David Brick, Colm Feeney.
Letterkenny Rovers: Jason Quinn, Kieran Doherty (Kevin McGrath 20), Aaron Scanlon, Michael Herrity (Shane Porter 46), Dan O'Donnell, Caolan Grant (Jason Doherty 46), Odhran McMacken, Dale Gorman, James Gillen, Conor McGlynn, Darragh Mulgrew
Subs not used: Ryan McCloskey, John Blaney, Noah Mailey, Christopher O'Donnell.
