This Sunday Sligo and their manager Kevin Walsh are hoping to take another vital step in their hunt for promotion to division two of the National Football League when they take on Roscommon at Markievicz Park.
There are three teams vying for promotion from division three, Antrim, Sligo and Wexford. If Sligo win their game and Antrim defeat Wexford, then Kevin Walsh’s team will be promoted. Or, if Sligo defeat Roscommon by more points than Wexford can manage over Antrim, then Walsh’s side will still go up in a three-way head-to-head, Sligo’s scoring averages are superior.
It would be magnificent progress for Sligo if the Killanin man was to lead them from division four to division two in just two seasons.
However that is not Walsh’s priority heading into Sunday’s encounter. Unless they defeat Roscommon, they will not be going anywhere.
“Unfortunately Roscommon have been relegated, and they will be coming up to Sligo to prove they are a far better team than the table shows. They have been unlucky and only lost three games by a point and two points to Antrim who are top of the table.
“This is a very tricky assignment for Sligo and I know that Roscommon will be tough to beat. They have been improving as the league has gone on and we are missing a few lads with injuries. So we are taking nothing for granted.”
Walsh, who was a triple All-Star recipient with Galway, is pleased with the way his team is shaping up this year;
“The players are working very hard at training and we unearthed some new talent during the league due to injuries and suspensions. The lads that came in have done well, so there is plenty of competition for places. That is vital in any squad.
“It would be great to be in division two next year, but we will have to produce a tremendous performance against Roscommon next Sunday for that to happen. Local derbies are always close games and I don’t expect Sunday to be any different.”
