Sligo see off Carlow to seal Tailteann Cup last-eight spot
The hosts started the game brightly when Alan Reilly opened the scoring before the sides would be level twice with Ross Dunphy and Mikey Bambrick on target.
Sligo soon took control of proceedings as they added seven points without reply with David Quinn, Shane Deignan and Alan McLoughlin among the scores as Sligo lead 0-09 to 0-02.
Carlow to their credit refused to wave the white flag and were within three points after 24 minutes with Sean Murphy, John Murphy and Paddy McDonnell all splitting the posts for the visitors.
The opening goal of the game came just short of the half hour mark when McLoughlin raised a green flag after being played through by Cian Lally.
Carlow rallied before the break with four unanswered points – including a brace from Conor Doyle - to leave the interval score 1-15 - 0-13 in favour of the hosts.
Early second-half points from Murphy and Alan Reilly stretched their advantage, but the Barrowsiders struck for two goals in six minutes with Paddy McDonnell doing the damage for Carlow to reduce the deficit to the bare minimum.
A timely two-pointer from Patrick O'Connor eased the concerns somewhat of the majority of the 2,104 in attendance.
A Conor Crowley free made it a two-point game, but that was as close as Carlow would get as Sligo hit five unanswered points, Canice Brennan among the scorers and substitute Pat Spillane claiming a brace.
Sligo will now await to see who they will face in the knockout stages with Wicklow, Limerick and Fermanagh the possible opponents.
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