Galway United and Sligo Rovers played out a 2-2 draw on Monday evening but the wet conditions in Terryland Park didn't seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the players as they served up an enjoyable encounter.
Sean Connor was able to call upon Rhys Meynell and Paul Sinnott once again, having missed their presence in the rear-guard away to Bray last Friday. Sligo made two changes from the team that beat Fingal in the Showgrounds on Friday, with Gary McCabe and Derek Foran coming in for Jim Lauchlan and Danny Ventre. The latter was relegated to the subs bench for all of six minutes, as Ventre was called upon to replace the injured Foran.
Sligo Rovers had the better of the opening exchanges and found themselves ahead after eight minutes. Joseph Ndo delivered a corner into the box which was headed clear, only to find Richie Ryan who caught it perfectly on the volley, hitting nothing until it rippled the Galway net.
Galway United's Stephen Walsh tested out Ciaran Kelly in the Sligo goal just before the quarter-hour mark, forcing the Mayo native to tip his effort past the post for a corner.
On 22 minutes, Romauld Boco jinked his way into the United box forcing Barry Ryan to make a close-range save which was then cleared by Philip Reilly from the penalty spot.
With a half-hour gone, Derek O'Brien was the provider for Stephen Walsh, but Walsh's awkward downward header lacked any power.
Sligo Rovers hit the back of the net again on 35 minutes. Galwegian John Russell was on hand to race through and finish off some great work by Gary McCabe, shrugging of the attentions of the last defender and finishing past his former team mate. There obviously mixed feelings for Russell though, as he made no attempt to celebrate with his current team mates.
Three minutes later, Galway began their comeback. A cross from the left fell to Gary Curran inside the box and he hit it past Kelly, hitting the base of the post on the way across the goal-line.
The only booking of the game came before half-time, as Rhys Meynell was penalised for a challenge on Gary McCabe.
Just before the half-time whistle, Sligo were awarded a free-kick on the right flank. Joseph Ndo sent in an inviting cross but none of the advancing Sligo players were close enough to it to capitalise.
Galway United emerged from the dressing room for the second half with renewed confidence, as they contributed to an entertaining battle.
On 53 minutes, Sligo broke into the Galway half. The through ball was intercepted by Paul Sinnott, but ultimately, he gifted possession to a gracious Gary McCabe. He was unable to trouble Ryan however and the chance went a begging.
63 minutes in, United were awarded a free-kick to the right of the penalty area. Stephen O'Donnell drilled a low cross into Karl Sheppard who allowed the ball to pass through his legs while flicking the ball past Ciaran Kelly, to bring the sides level.
The crowd in Terryland had been awoken by this stage and were baying for more blood. The loss of Stephen O'Donnell on 70 minutes to injury may have killed some of that momentum though.
Iarfhlaith Davoren had a pop on 80 minutes, but he failed to direct it goalwards.
When the final whistle sounded, it was clear that the home fans were happiest with the outcome, needing something to raise their spirits after the humbling defeat at the hands of a resurgent Bray.
Sligo Rovers retain their 4th place, maintaining the two-point gap back to Fingal, who themselves drew 2-2 with Bray. Galway United drop down to 8th, trading places with UCD once again, returning to the play-off spots.
