Match Report from rte.ie

Republic of Ireland under 21 international Karl Sheppard provided a flash of class grabbing an equaliser as Galway United made a stunning comeback at Terryland Park.

Sligo started impressively and struck two first half goals courtesy of Richie Ryan on eight minutes and John Russell after 36.

But Galway were given a glimmer of hope two minutes later when a Gary Curran shot squeezed over the line, and the Tribesmen levelled on 63 as Sheppard scored following a Stephen O'Donnell free kick.

Sligo, operating with a 4-3-3 formation, were bright and busy early on and went close in the third minute when John Russell fizzed a shot over from just outside the area.

The Bit O'Red hit the front courtesy of a sizzling Richie Ryan strike in the eight minute following Joseph Ndo's crisp corner.

Galway did come close to snatching a leveller in the 14th minute, but Ciaran Kelly made a smart save to deny Steven Walsh

Sligo, though, could have added a second on 22, but Barry Ryan thwarted Romauld Boco as the visitors continued to probe.

Paul Cooke's stylish team netted again in the 36th minute when John Russell scored following a splendid Gary McCabe assist.

The Tribesmen came swinging and pulled a goal back two minutes later as Gary Curran brought Galway back into contention.

And Galway drew level in the 63rd minute as Karl Sheppard struck an equaliser when guiding home Stephen O'Donnell's free kick.

Galway United: Ryan; Conneely, Sinnott, McKenzie, Meynell; Curran, Reilly, O'Donnell (Molloy, 70), O'Brien (King, 81); Walsh, Sheppard.

Sligo Rovers: Kelly; Keane, Peers, Foran (Ventre, 6), Davoren; Ryan, Ndo (O'Grady, 68), Russell; McCabe (Doyle, 68), Blinkhorn, Boco.

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).