Sligo Rovers delivered a purposeful performance at Galway United's home ground Terryland Park to make a thrilling start to the season with a 2-0 victory in the eircom League of Ireland First Division.
Former Galway star Rafael Cretaro was the star of the show for Rovers who were always in control against the hosts.
Despite a troubled week, Sligo managed to produce on the pitch for joint caretakers Leo Tierney and Des Cawley.
The Bit O’Red fashioned several goalscoring opportunities before eventually netting the opener seven minutes after the interval when Faz Kudozovic, Cretaro and Adam Hughes were all involved in creating Gary Curran’s goal.
The lead was doubled shortly after when Cretaro’s precise cross was crashed home by the lively Jason McCartney.
Galway boss Tony Cousins made a string of substitutions, but Sligo continued to dominate and could have won by more, but home debutant Regillio Nootimer was majestic at the back.
The home side nearly filched a stoppage time consolation goal, but Derek O’Brien struck the timber. Galway flickered with class and the emergence of Dutch defender Nootimer augurs well, but Rovers were always in control on the banks of the Corrib.
Galway United: Brinias; James (Foley, 73), Charles, Nootimer, Reilly; Cooke, Lester, Murphy (Glynn, 73), O’Brien; Moran (O’Flynn, 62), Armstrong.
Sligo Rovers: Brush; Turner, Peers, McKenzie, Foy; Hughes, Curran, O’Grady, McCartney; Kudozovic, Cretaro.
Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).
