It was Leitrim’s first competitive triumph over Mayo since 1994 and was based largely on a strong start during which the hosts raced into a 0-5 to 0-0 lead.

Adrian Croal landed a brace of points for the hosts, with Paddy McGowan and Ray Cox also getting on the scoresheet.

Despite the best efforts of Darren Coen and Alan Freeman (0-2 each), James Horan’s under-strength team - the panel are just back from a holiday in Miami - were unable to break Leitrim’s resistance in a tight second half.

Roscommon, who lost to Leitrim in the opening round, bounced back with a 1-20 to 1-4 hammering of GMIT at Strokestown today.

Meanwhile, in section A, Galway proved too strong for IT Sligo in Tuam as they accumulated 0-16 for the second match running.

The Tribesmen had a fine spread of scorers with corner forward Danny Cummins leading the way with 0-6. His colleagues in the full-forward line, Micheal Martin (0-4f) and Sean Armstrong (0-2) also scored well.

IT Sligo, who lost to Kevin Walsh’s county side in the first round, scored a goal through Galway’s Peadar Seoighe and David Maye finished with 0-4.

Sligo recorded their second win of the provincial competition by outlasting NUI Galway in a closely-fought fixture at Tourlestrane.

Walsh’s charges held on for a 0-14 to 1-9 victory, aided by a five-point contribution from free-taker Niall Murphy (0-4f). Corner forward Kenneth Sweeney starred in open play with 0-4.

Cathal Freeman registered 1-2 for the college side. His second half goal cut the gap to a single point but the Yeats men, who face Galway in a decisive round 3 tie next Sunday, managed to stay in front.

TODAY’S RESULTS:

CONNACHT FBD LEAGUE GROUP STAGES –

SECTION A:

Galway 0-16 IT Sligo 1-5, Tuam Stadium

Sligo 0-14 NUI Galway 1-9, Tourlestrane

SECTION B:

Roscommon 1-20 GMIT 1-4, Strokestown

Leitrim 0-9 Mayo 0-8, Ballinamore