Dillon scores again as Rovers break Terryland curse

John Dillon scored once again in tonights 1-0 win over Connaucht rivals Galway United, the first time they've come away from Terryland Park with 3 points since 2007.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Finn

Referee Damian Hancock had to make a big decision just minutes into the game when Iarfhliath Davoren went down in the box, but he waved away protests as he allowed play to go on.

It was an even game for the early part of the first half, with boths Rovers and United threatening in attack, but it was the Bit O' Red who broke the deadlock on the half hour mark, when on form winger John Dillon scored his 4th goal 3 games, or to make it sound more impressive, his 4th goal in 7 days!

Rovers now seeked a second, and almost got it immediately after Dillon scored, but his header went wide. Dillon was in search of his own second goal, and almost got it through a 25 yeard effort, but his shot also went agonozingly wide. Rovers entered the break with complete control over the game, with The Tribesmen failing to get a decent shot on goal with a stubborn defence standing in their way.

The second half started on a quiet note, with Rovers seemingly trying to just keep the ball away from the home team, and after 10 minutes had the first clear cut chance of the half when Alan Kirby headed his effort over after getting on the end of a well taken free kick by John Dillon. Shaun Kelly then almost put the ball past his own keeper from Alan Kirby's corner.

At this point, Galway just couldn't get out of their own half, and John Russell had the next chance, but his effort was saved by keeper Greg Fleming. Dillon had another chance to get his second, but his shot from an acute angle struck the post.

Jason McGuinness was next up to try his luck, but like some who tried before him, his header went wide of the post. Galway striker Joseph Yoffe had the best opportunity of the night for the home side, but failed to keep his header down after Brendan Clarke made a brilliant save from Alan Murphy.

Dillon had one more opportunity in the 78th minute, Richie Ryan picked out Dillon with a pass, but the winger saw his strike go just over. He was then brought off to the applause of the 300 travelling Rovers supporters, but the gave possibly an even louder cheer for Joseph Ndo, who tonight returned to action after missing the first 4 games of the season.

Rovers last chance of the game was almost scored in fine fashion, as Aaron Greene skipped past two defenders and chipped the ball past Fleming, but unfortunately the ball also went past the post.

Galway were still pressing for a late equalizer, but just couldn't break down the Rovers defence. A good night for the Bit O Red, as they moved up to 2nd in the table and broke their 'Terryland Curse' thanks to a goal from the very much on form John Dillon.

Sligo Rovers: Clarke, Keane, McGuinness, Peers, Davoren, Dillon (Joseph Ndo, 82 mins) , Ryan, Kirby (Danny Ventre, 64 mins), Russell, Greene, Blinkhorn (Doyle 75 mins)

Subs not used: Kelly, Foran, Horgan, McGoldrick

Galway United: Fleming, Shaun Kelly, Maher, Walsh, Sinnott, Moore, Sean Kelly, Cash, Yoffe (Curran,  74 mins) , Murphy (Feeney, 82 mins)

Subs not used: Winn, De Silva, Smith, Keogh, Gartland

Attendance: 1836

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