Leitrim were denied another major Connacht U20 victory with a last gasp penalty.
Sligo came back from four points down in Markievicz Park to draw 2-11 to 1-14. A result which keeps the competition alive until the last day.
The hosts led 1-5 to seven points at half-time. Three Rossa Sloyan points had Sligo three ahead on nine minutes. Paul Honeyman opened the Leitrim account moments later.
Ronan Niland received a black card 60 seconds later to see Sligo down to 14-men for 10 minutes. Darren Cox and Barry McNulty from play moved Leitrim level within two minutes.
Conor Flynn rattled the Leitrim net on 18 minutes as Sligo moved three clear. Rossa Sloyan and Ely Rooney moved the hosts five clear 10 minutes before half-time.
Two points Honeyman (1f) and one each from Jack Casey and Paddy Keane left one point between the sides at half-time. Sligo leading 1-5 to seven points.
Darren Cox levelled the game two minutes after the restart. The visitors scored four points in a row with two Barry McNulty points (1f) and Jack Casey making it 1-5 to 11 points for Leitrim.
Conor Sheridan opened Sligo’s second-half account on 38 minutes. Jack Casey kept Leitrim two clear on 42 minutes. Tom Plunkett extended the lead four minutes later.
Darren Cox smashed the ball into the net setting Leitrim up for another win with a goal 60 seconds later.
However, Sligo chipped away at the scoreboard. Two Luke Marren frees making it 1-13 to 1-9 with 10 minutes remaining.
Joe McGloin put five between the sides but Sligo fought back.
However, three Luke Marren frees and a Conor Sheridan point made it a three point game as the clock struck 60 minutes.
Then came the penalty in the third minute of injury time which Luke Marren converted to ensure a draw. 2-11 to 1-14.
With Roscommon drawing with Galway, the championship is all set for a last gasp final day. Next Wednesday night, Leitrim host Roscommon. Whereas, Mayo host Sligo.
🔹It's going to be a very dramatic last round of games in the EirGrid Connacht U20 Championship!
This is how the table looks after Round 4. #ConnachtGAA pic.twitter.com/MY7BrLmZjw— Connacht GAA (@ConnachtGAA) April 10, 2024
The group winners progress directly to the Connacht final. Whereas, second and third place meet in the semi-final.
