Galway United 1 Sligo Rovers 2
Kieran Sadlier struck two smashing goals as Sligo Rovers eked out a valuable victory at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Galway defender Armin Aganovic was red carded in the 22nd minute following a clash with Raffaele Cretaro, but the Tribesmen battled on with 10 men.
Sadlier guided Sligo ahead in the 72nd minute, but Gary Shanahan headed Galway back on level terms on 77.
Though Galway were spirited Sligo pounced for a winner courtesy of man of the match Sadlier with six minutes remaining.
In the closing stages Sadlier was unfortunate not to claim a hat-trick as Galway goalkeeper Conor Winn made a couple of fine saves.
Galway United: Winn; Cantwell, Sinnott, Aganovic, Ludden; Shanahan, Sullivan, Connolly, Keating; Faherty (Devers, 89), Curran (Foley, 90).
Sligo Rovers: Schlingermann; Adebayo-Rowling, Peers (Gordon, 82), Boylan, Donelon (Roberts, 61); Richards, Sadlier, Russell, Keohane; Martin, Cretaro.
Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).