MAYO REAPE REWARDS AS ROSSIES FALL
A 65TH MINUTE goal from debutant Brian Reape helped to get Mayo out of jail in last night’s rain-soaked Division One derby win over Roscommon.
Wind and driving rain spoiled the game as a spectacle for the crowd of 10,941 in Castlebar but James Horan’s side eventually managed to grind out a rare home win.
A 74th minute goal from Roscommon’s Shane Killoran did throw the visitors a lifeline but time ran out and Anthony Cunningham’s men paid the price for going almost 40 minutes without a score either side of half-time.
Roscommon played with the aid of the elements in the first half and deservedly led at the break 0-5 to 0-1.
Colin Compton, Enda Smith, Shane Killoran and Donie Smith all hit the target while Cathal Cregg had to be content with a point after a flying save from Rob Hennelly.
Mayo’s only score came from an Evan Regan free in the third minute, as the home side failed miserably to come to terms with the atrocious conditions.
But Horan’s troops produced a much better second half display, outscoring the Rossies by 1-7 to 1-2.
Man of the match Jason Doherty (inset) landed three points while Diarmuid O’connor, Donie Vaughan, Paddy Durcan and Brendan Harrison also got on the scoresheet.
Roscommon finished with 14 men after sub’ Ultan Harney was booked twice in a matter of minutes.
Mayo scorers: B Harrison (0-1), P Durcan (0-1), D O’connor (0-1), D Vaughan (0-1), J Doherty (0-3, 2f); E Regan (0-1f), B Reape (1-0).
Roscommon: E Smith (0-1f), C Compton (0-1), S Killoran (1-1); D Smith (0-1), C Cregg (0-1), U Harney (0-1).