Goals Seal Down Win

Sligo may have dominated against Longford in last week’s game but this week saw a strong Down team leading the way to victory.

Sligo got off to a very slow start and Karen Maloney pointed the fist score from play after 12 mins.  During this time Down had stormed ahead with 2 goals and 1 point on the score board.  The second goal was from a penalty when, to add to Sligo’s misery, Jacqui Mulligan was sin-binned to the sideline for 10 mins.

Down made the most of their one player advantage as they scored another goal putting a sizable margin between the teams. sligo were provided a life line as Jacqui Mulligan returned to the fray when Down were reduced to 14 players.

Sligo began to attack with purpose and it was Bernice Byrne who grabbed the goal that brough the Connacht team back into the game as the burst forward from midfield. Down still held a 7 point lead at half time leaving their hosts with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Condition deteriorated further in the second half as both teams battled with the elements. Down once again dominated and a lapse in concentration from Sligo clearing the ball resulted is another goal for Down.  This was a blow from which the Sligo team never fully recovered.

Down were able to protect their lead as they frustrated the Sligo attack whilst adding to their lead. Down were good value for their 14 point win with a final score of 1.7 to 5.9 in favour of Down.