SLIGO ROVERS finished the game with only nine players, as Cork City scored a crucial win in the National League Premier Division championship at Bishopstown last night.

Sligo's goalkeeper Mark McLean conceded a penalty and was sent off 13 minutes from the end as Pat Morley took advantage to score the winning goal from the spot. Further disaster followed for Sligo when James Mulligan was dismissed for a late tackle on full back, Colin O'Brien, two minutes from full time.

It was a controversial end to a highly competitive match, as Cork tried manfully to score their first win over Sligo in three meetings this season. Sligo looked capable of holding out for a draw when McLean drew the attention, of the referee as he came flying out of goal in an attempt to intercept Cork's John Caulfield and the resultant penalty changed the entire trend of the game.

Caulfield went tumbling under McLean's challenge and, while Sligo protested bitterly, referee Hugh Byrne was left with no option but to show the red card after he had awarded the penalty. John Kenny deputised in goal.

Sligo enjoyed the better of the earlier play, but lost important chances in the first half as Padraig Moran, Ian Gilzean and Mulligan all failed to hit the target from likely positions. They were punished when Cork's Dave Hill headed the opening goal following a corner from Fergal Giltinan seconds before halftime.

Sligo's response was a spirited one. They took control again in the second half and were very much in the match after equalising, in the 53rd minute when Gilzean headed powerfully home from Mulligan's right wing cross.