Relegation threatened Sligo Rovers and Galway United played out a 1-1 draw in the Showgrounds last night, but the bit o’red boss Gerard Lyttle feels that there’s lots to be positive about as the league enters its second half.
Having taken an early lead through striker Jonah Ayunga, Galway hit back after a dropped catch from goalkeeper Michael Schlingermann gifted Stephen Folan the opportunity to score.
The point lifted Sligo out of the bottom three, while Galway moved off the bottom at the expense of St Patrick’s Athletic.
Lyttle told us afterwards, “We started the game really well. When we scored I’m thinking we are going to go on and win easy, but that didn’t happen because we slowed the play down and didn’t put the ball forward quick enough.”
“Their goal was possibly a mistake from our keeper although possibly a foul at the same time. He made a decision to come through bodies to catch rather than maybe punching. But I got to admire that he’s willing to come. On a other day he maybe gets a free-kick.”
Lyttle also gave his striker some food for thought, “Jonah done excellent for his goal and if he really wants to be, he could be a massive player in this league. He’s got pace. power and height but for him he needs to start using all that to his advantage.”
Sligo recently announced the signings of midfielder Rhys McCabe and striker Benny Igiehon, we asked him about what they’ll bring to the squad, “Happy with both players coming in. They will give us extra options in the final third which we don’t have much off. Rhys is a box to box player that can play and create and score at times. I think Benny will be a surprise package for us. He’s big and strong, has pace and power and also likes to get into the box to get onto the end of things. I think the step-up in level wont be a problem to him. Looking forward to getting both in and ready to play in July.”
“We will soon start turning these draws into wins that’s only a matter of time. The signs are there,” said Lyttle.