MONAGHAN PLAY-OFF BOOST

Monaghan 3-12
Sligo 0-14

Monaghan bounced back from their disappointing performance against Donegal in Letterkenny a week previous to show that there is still character in the side as they played with more purpose and passion in this Rackard Cup relegation play-off.

On the day they proved too adept for the Yeats County men and thoroughly deserved their victory that assures them that they will be competing in the 2015 version of the Nicky Rackard Cup courtesy of this seven points victory over Sligo at Sean O’Heslins Park, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, last Saturday afternoon.

Monaghan were comfortable throughout this game and playing some constructive hurling they always held the upper hand over their opponents. Keith Raymond’s free taking abilities for Sligo, he scored 0-7 from placed balls, threatened to spoil Monaghan’s afternoon, but three goals, two of which came from the impressive Brian McGuigan, affirmed Monaghan’s dominance.

Kevin Crawley, who missed the Donegal game was stationed at centre-half forward from where he was also influential for Monaghan chipping in with 0-7, and his accuracy played a big part in Monaghan’s success.

The opening half was a cagey affair, which contrasted a rather one-sided second period. Sligo looked to be in trouble when …