Galway United picked up their first league win at the Showgrounds in 29 years as they inflicted a fourth consecutive defeat upon a struggling Sligo Rovers.
Defender Cian Byrne bagged a famous brace for the Tribesmen who, with this victory, moved to third and within two points of leaders Drogheda. An unconvincing Rovers did give themselves a fighting chance midway through the second period when Owen Elding fired home a penalty, but the hosts couldn't find a second goal to level this tie.
For Sligo, it's another disappointing defeat which sees the Bit O'Red finish the first round of games three points adrift.
In search of a first win in five, Sligo made three changes from last week's defeat to Bohemians at Dalymount Park. Returning from suspension, captain John Mahon returned to a Rovers rearguard which had conceded an average of just over two goals per game. Jad Hakiki, arguably Sligo's stand-out player this term to date, also found his way back into the starting team having missed that game in Dublin through suspension.
Conor Reynolds deputised at right full-back for his first start of the year.
Looking to return to winning ways having suffered their first defeat of the year to Shamrock Rovers on their last outing, the high-flying visitors made two changes from that defeat to the Hoops. Chasing a first league win in Sligo since March 1996, boss John Caulfied made two changes, David Hurley and former Sligo midfielder Jimmy Keohane returning.
Defensively shrewd, the hard-working Galway ended this first half on top but it was the home side who created the better of the early openings.
Mahon had a half chance with an early header, while Rob Slevin did enough to put off Will Fitzgerald as the Limerick man looked to pull the trigger in front of goal having latched on to a wonderful cross-field ball from Hakiki.
United's Jeannot Esua fired wide on 17 minutes, 60 seconds before stand-in Galway goalkeeper Evan Watts quickly got down to keep a hold of Fitzgerald's wickedly struck effort from 20 yards.
The visitors' typical direct style led to their opener on 21. Killian Brouder's long throw-in was cleared only as far as Byrne who's sweetly struck first time shot sailed beyond Conor Walsh.
The 2023 First Division winners spent the remainder of the half largely in charge. Patrick Hickey's first-time header from a Greg Cunningham set piece was held by Walsh before Gareth McElroy cleared what looked like a Bobby Burns goalward header.
Sligo's leaky backline offered the opposition a chance for their second before the break. Mahon's poor pass allowed Burns the opportunity to shoot, but the Scot's drive fizzed past the Sligo post.
Galway did double their lead three minutes into the second period when Byrne had his brace with a wonderfully executed direct free-kick from distance, which sailed beyond Walsh's dive.
GAME ON in Sligo!👊
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) April 12, 2025
Owen Elding scores from the spot to put his side back in the game. pic.twitter.com/c3X9lmuutK
Elding blazed over from seven yards out on the hour as Rovers' frustrations continued. While the same man crashed a volley onto Watts' crossbar on 65 following Manning's neatly played ball over the top.
The aforementioned were involved as Rovers halved the deficit on 72. Manning was brought to the floor by a late challenge inside the area, allowing Elding to slot past Watts from 12 yards in the driving rain.
John Russell introduced a number of attacking players in a desperate bid to rescue something from this derby. But a defensively disciplined away side held firm and should have secured the points in added time, but substitute Stephen Walsh could only shoot straight at Walsh from close range.
Sligo Rovers: Conor Walsh; Conor Reynolds (Oskar Van Hattum 54), John Mahon, Gareth McElroy, Reece Hutchinson; Conor Malley (Francely Lomboto 86), Matty Wolfe (Stephen Mallon 54); Will Fitzgerald, Ronan Manning, Jad Hakiki; Owen Elding.
Galway United: Evan Watts; Rob Slevin, Killian Brouder, Greg Cunningham; Jeannot Esua, Rob Burns (Stephen Walsh 72); Vincent Borden, Cian Byrne, David Hurley (Sean Kerrigan 80); Jimmy Keohane; Patrick Hickey.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
Attendance: 2,786.
