FBD League Round 2: Roscommon 3-19 Sligo 2-10
Roscommon proved too sharp in attack once more as they ran up another impressive total against Sligo in the FBD League in Kiltoom last night (Wednesday).
The damage was done in the first half when Roscommon scored three goals, two from Cian McKeon and one from Diarmuid Murtagh.
The home side were coasting for much of the second half but Kevin McStay and his selectors will be concerned with the concession of two goals in injury-time.
Played on a fine evening, conditions suited attackers on both sides as hard tackles were few and far between. Adrian Marren converted a ’45 in the second minute for Sligo but two minutes later Roscommon struck their first goal when Cian McKeon was successful at his second attempt.
Stephen Coen and Nathan Mullen kicked fine points for Sligo but Roscommon got a second goal two minutes later. Ciaráin Murtagh made a fine catch before finding Cian McKeon, who struck low to the net for his second goal of the game.
By the 20th minute Sligo had narrowed the gap to three points: 2-5 to 0-8.
Roscommon struck the last four scores of the half including a point from play from Diarmuid Murtagh and a free from Ciaráin Murtagh.
Then on the 31st minute Sligo conceded a very soft goal, Eddie McGuinness’ hand pass was cut-out by Diarmuid Murtagh and he finished to an empty net. Ciaráin Murtagh added a point in the final minute of the half to leave the scores 2-5 to 0-8 at the break.
Roscommon totally dominated the third quarter and they had outscored Sligo by 0-10 to 0-2 by the 65th minute, with subs Finbar Cregg and Donie Smith impressive.
But late in the game Sligo full-forward Adrian Marren lobbed Aaron Brady for a goal and then on the call of full-time Kyle Cawley grabbed a second goal for Sligo to put a bit of respectability on the scoreline from their point of view.
Best for Roscommon were Fergal Lennon, Conor Daly, Ciaráin Murtagh, Ciaran Lennon and subs Finbar Cregg and Donie Smith.
Unbeaten Roscommon now face Mayo at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday.
Roscommon: Aaron Brady; Seán McDermott, John McManus, Niall McInerney; Conor Daly (0-2), Seán Mullooly, Fergal Lennon (0-2); Enda Smith, Fintan Cregg; Niall Daly, Ciaráin Murtagh (0-5, 1 free); Padraig Kelly (0-1); Diarmuid Murtagh (1-2, 1 free), Ciaran Lennon (0-1), Cian McKeon (2-1). Subs used: Hubert Darcy for Kelly (20 mins, b/c), Finbar Cregg (0-2) for N Daly (h/t), D Smith (0-3) for McKeon (h-t), D Murray for Mullooly (h/t), Tadgh McKenna for F Lennon (55 mins), P Domican for McInerney (55 mins).
Sligo: Aidan Devaney; Eoin McHugh, Peter Laffey, Eddie McGuinness; Keelan Cawley (0-1), Paul Kilcoyne, James Gillen; James Clarke (0-1), Darragh Cummins; Nathan Mullen (0-2), Finnian Cawley, Sean Carrabine; Stephen Coen (0-3, 1 free), Adrian Marren (1-2, 1 free, 1 ’45), Kyle Cawley (1-0). Subs used: M Gordon for Gillen(h/t), Gerard O’Kelly-Lynch for McHugh (h/t), Pat Hughes (0-1) for Coen (h/t), Cian Lally for Mullen (45 mins), Kevin Henry for Carrabine (60 mins), Paul McNamara for Keelan Cawley (63 mins).
Referee: Paul Lydon (Mayo)
