Varley stars as Galway make winning start

Galway 2-9

Sligo 0-12

CHASING a first Connacht FBD League title since 2009, Galway footballers got their campaign off to a winning start when fending off Sligo’s spirited challenge at Tuam Stadium last Sunday.

Timely goals from Damien Comer and Enda Tierney proved the difference as the home team blew away some winter cobwebs in an entertaining FBD League opener, especially given the heavy underfoot conditions that threatened the fixture earlier that morning.

Galway’s lead was never seriously threatened after Comer found the net early on and it’s probable that Leitrim, on the back of their rout of GMIT, will provide a much sterner test when they come to Tuam Stadium this Sunday.

Galway and Sligo exited last year’s championship on the same August evening and their first selections of 2016 bore little resemblance to those line outs outs as Galway manager Kevin Walsh and his opposite number Niall Carew ran the rule over several new faces.

Gaping holes existed though the heart of Sligo’s defence during the first half and Galway’s opening goal on nine minutes came when Comer galloped through the centre channel and combined with Danny Cummins to finish off a fine team move. Cummins followed it with a delightful point off his left to give Galway a 1-3 to 0-1 lead playing into the town goal.

Man of the match Adrian Varley started on Galway’s inside line early on before operating in a more withdrawn role and the Cortoon Shamrocks clubman was comfortably the most impressive player on view in that first half, with his clever movement and use of possession cuasing Sligo all manner of problems.

Shane Maughan, getting his chance on the back of good season for Salthill-Knocknacarra, opened Galway’s account after a foul on Varley and their second came from play from the Cortoon man after referee Paul Daly played a good advantage.

Comer’s early green flag gave Galway a cushion they never looked like surrendering with Eamon Brannigan, Comer, Maughan and Paul Mannion adding points to set up a double scores lead, 1-7 to 0-5, at the end of a lively opening 30 minutes. Sligo’s scores came courtesy of Noel Gaughan, Pat Hughes, Kenneth Sweeney and two from the excellent Niall Murphy.

Full report in this week’s Connacht Tribune.