Derwin sparks Rossies’ burst

ROSCOMMON applied the after-burners in the second half to comfortably see off Sligo and book their place in the provincial minor final against Galway on Friday next.

The winners were three points ahead at the break, 2-10 to 1-10, but outscored their opponents by 3-8 to 0-3 in a clinical secondhalf performance. Impressive Sligo full-forward Gavin Duffy goaled in the tenth minute but Roscommon replied emphatically with two goals inside a minute.

Firstly, James Fitzpatrick goaled after good work from Eoghan Derwin before Derwin availed of some fine interplay with Adam McDermott to lash the ball to the roof of the net.

Duffy and Eoghan Smith kicked some fine points for Sligo but Roscommon’s full-forward line of Derwin, McDermott and Fitzpatrick ensured that the Rossies were a goal to the good at the break.

Sligo’s challenge wilted in the second half as Roscommon became more ruthless in front of goal. A 35th-minute penalty from Adam McDermott sent them on their way and further green f lags were raised by Fitzpatrick and Ruaidhri Fallon to confirm Paul Staunton side’s place in the final.