Leitrim caused a real shock to record their first win in 15-years in Markievicz Park and knock Sligo out of Connacht.
A one point victory sets up a semi-final meeting with Galway in two weeks’ time after a fast start.
Tom Prior and Barry McNulty kicked early scores for Leitrim. Sligo replied through Niall Murphy, Luke Towey, Jack Lavin and Lee Deignan put Sligo ahead after 14 minutes.
A moment of individual brilliance form Barry McNulty on 17 minutes saw Leitrim get the opening goal of the contest.
McNulty flicked the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper before rolling it to the back of the net. The midfielder then kicked a point from play before he put Leitrim ahead with a brilliantly struck two-pointer.
The half got better for Leitrim when Keith Keegan got their second goal on 29 minutes, putting the visitors five in front.
Tom Prior got the final score of the first-half as Leitrim took a six point lead to the break. Leading 2-07 to 0-7.
Lee Duignan and Tom Prior traded points early in the second-half as Sligo struggled to get to grips with the visitors. Most notably with the press applied on the Sligo kick out.
Oisin and Fergal McLoughlin added further points for Leitrim.
Leitrim find a third goal
Indeed, their third goal of the day arrived, when Captain Ryan O’Rourke leding by example finding the bottom corner of the Sligo net. After 45 minutes Leitrim led 3-10 to 0-10.
Sligo immediately went downfield for a goal of their own. Pat Spillane timed his run perfectly and found the Leitrim net after 46 minutes.
Sean Harkin replied for Leitrim, fisting over with Alan McLoughlin scoring two points either side of a Luke Towey two-pointer. Leitrim lead was reduced to four points after 56 minutes.
Lee Duignan landed another two-pointer for Sligo moments before Cian Lally rattled the Leitrim crossbar when it seemed certain a goal was on.
Points from Tom Prior and Barry McNulty kept the Leitrim lead intact. Whereas, efforts were David Quinn and Alan McLoughlin brought the game to a one point contest.
Sligo had two opportunities having been awarded separate frees inside the final 90 seconds but failed to capitalize on either, as Leitrim clung on to claim a memorable victory.
Leitrim running out one point winners, 3-15 to 1-20.
