Sligo run riot against sorry Tipp in Thurles

Sligo exhibited their Tailteann Cup credentials in a 16-point hammering of Tipperary at FBD Semple Stadium.

Captain Niall Murphy bagged 2-06 before being rested for a final quarter which they played with 14 men after substitute Keelan Cawley picked up two yellow cards.

Having scored 2-21 against Wexford last week, they racked up 3-22 by the final whistle here.

The groan of the crowd when the five added minutes were announced summed up the mood in Thurles, although they were rewarded with a Stephen Grogan consolation goal.

It was no surprise to learn there were four changes to the Tipp team, with Conor Sweeney, Seán O'Connor, Teddy Doyle, and Darragh Brennan named to start. Luckless captain Steven O’Brien was ruled out.

Tony McEntee made two late switches, with Luke Casserly and Lee Deignan replacing Paul McNamara and Cian Lally.

His side were the far classier outfit, kicking the first four points and opening up a 0-07 to 0-01 lead before long. Every score was worked in open play, with Murphy slotting three and two more from Patrick O’Connor.

Sligo soon began to steam through the chasms in the Tipp defence. Alan McLaughlin rolled a point-blank chance wide. Seán Carrabine had a shot blocked by Jimmy Feehan. Mikey Gordon blazed the next over. Grogan was lucky to escape a black card when taking down Carrabine just outside the box.

At the other end, Tipp had two punched chances but Seán O’Connor fisted over and Grogan batted at Aidan Devaney.

Still, the gap was 0-09 to 0-04 before the Yeatsmen ratcheted up the next 2-02.

McLoughlin was fouled for a penalty, dispatched off the post by Murphy in the 31st minute. From the kick-out, Deignan struck the crossbar but they worked the ball back in for Carrabine to finish. 2-11 to 0-05 at