Roscommon’s search for points in the 2017 Allianz Football League continues following an eight point defeat to a sharper Mayo in Elvery’s MacHale Park this evening.
Roscommon made a great start and led by 0-3 to 0-1 after 7th minutes courtesy of points from Shane Killoran, Donie Smith and Fintan Cregg. Mayo then kicked eight points without reply and without tackles from Roscommon. Donie Smith stopped the rot in the 24th minute but the Roscommon full forward line was often left isolated. Six minutes later Ciarain Murtagh reduced the lead to four points but both points were cancelled out by Mayo in the space of a minute. The cause was not helped when Shane Killoran received a harsh Black Card for allegedly blocking the run of a Mayo defender.
Mayo dominated possession, winning many of Roscommon’s kick-outs and taking their own kicks short and quick to defenders. When Roscommon did get the ball into attacking positions they had the beating of the Mayo defence. They could have been level were it not for Man of the Match David Clarke saving two goal bound shots. In the 31st minutes Tom Corcoran received a diagonal ball and immediately offloaded it to the on-rushing Enda Smith and his low shot was saved. Moments later Enda Smith put Seán Mullooly through on goal but couldn’t beat the advancing Clarke.
At half-time it stood Roscommon 0-5 Mayo 0-11.
The second half started as the first ended; full of action. Mayo were awarded a penalty in the 37th minute when Seánie McDermott took down and Cillian O’Connor duly converted. The sides traded points in the third with Conor Devaney grabbing a hat-trick of points and Tom Corcoran also pointing. Mayo remained in control, however and led by double scores after 56 minutes; 0-9 to 1-15. Moments later Enda Smith was again denied by David Clarke but his brother was able to chip over the resulting loose ball. Mayo emptied the bench and although their intensity may have reduced they continued to create chances. With six minutes remaining Colm Lavin denied Mark Plunkett from point blank range. Roscommon meanwhile, when for more speculative efforts and attempted too many long passes into Tom Corcoran, before he was moved out the field.
It took 10 minutes for Roscommon’s next score to arrive, Enda Smith came in from the left wing and curled over a fine point. In the dying moments of the game Roscommon added fine points courtesy of Ciarain Murtagh, substitute Niall Kilroy and Enda Smith who worked tirelessly. It ended Roscommon 0-14 Mayo 1-19
Roscommon Team and scorers
1. Colm Lavin
2. David Murray
3. Seán Mullooly
4. Niall McInerney
5. Ronan Stack
6. Seán McDermott
7. John McManus
8. Shane Killoran (0-1)
9. Tadhg O’Rourke
10. Fintan Cregg (0-1)
11. Ciaráin Murtagh (C) (0-2)
12. Enda Smith (0-2)
13. Donie Smith (0-3)
14. Tom Corcoran (0-1)
15. Conor Devaney (0-3)
Subs used: Ciaran Cafferkey for Killoran (BC), Kevin Higgins for Cregg, Gary Patterson for McDermott, Niall Kilroy (0-1) for Stack. Brian Murtagh for Devaney, Cian Connolly for D Smith.
Next up for Roscommon is the visit of Kerry to Dr Hyde Park on Sunday week, March 5th at 2pm.