Leitrim tasted defeat in their division three opener losing to Sligo at Markievicz Park.
Sligo was the superior side in the second half having trailed 12 points to 11 at the interval.
The opening stages were action-packed with six points on the board after seven minutes.
The sides were deadlocked at three points apiece as Keith Beirne chipped in with a brace with Darragh Rooney also on target.
Terry Hyland’s side then hit three on the bounce and a goal separated the sides at the first water break.
Six minutes later, a point from Niall rphy restored parity for Sligo before Keith Beirne pointed a free giving Leitrim a two-point buffer at the short-whislte.
Leitrim’s task of defending that lead became tougher as Aidan Flynn received a straight red card before the break.
Tony McEntee’s side held a narrow advantage at the next water break and a goal from Niall Murphy opened a six point gap just before the hour mark.
Eight minutes later, Cian Lally fond the net stretching the margin to seven points and the sides traded three scores each during the reainer of the contest.
