Sligo Rovers drew 0-0 with Athlone Town tonight to claim the eircom League First Division title and secure a spot in the top flight of Irish league soccer.
The match wasn’t particularly entertaining, but that didn’t bother the Showgrounds faithful as they celebrated their escape from six seasons in the lower division.
Athlone gave the hosts an early scare when Austin Skelly lifted a curling shot high and wide.
Sligo soon found their groove, though, and only a post denied Ian Rossiter opening their account on ten minutes.
Seven minutes later Paul McTiernan had another chance but failed to break the deadlock.
The midfield battle dominated the game, as both teams seemed to cancel each other out for long periods of the first-half.
Athlone threatened a few times in the second period, but Rovers managed to repel their oppenents' best advances and held on to signal the start of a major party for the home supporters.
The vital point gained ensured the club collected the the First Division title for the first time since 1995.
