ROSSIES’ HOPES KILLED OFF BY EARLY RED CARD

DOWN pulled level with Cork at the top of the Division 2 standings, but Roscommon will be kicking themselves after yesterday’s loss at Dr Hyde Park.

The sending off of Ian Kilbride hit Roscommon hard after 15 minutes, and despite a strong comeback in the second half they never threatened Down.

The Mourne men were fluid in attack, worked their scores well and their 0-9 to 0-3 half-time lead was well earned.

Despite a bright start to the second half, a missed penalty from Ciarain Murtagh after 47 minutes stalled Roscommon’s hopes of a comeback.

Down had 10 different scorers, with nine of those hitting the target from play, although the 34 frees they conceded was a shocking tally.

But the important statistic was the key two points they earned, which boss Eamonn Burns sees as priceless.

“It’s important because the division is very, very competitive. It means now that facing into the break we have four points and then we have a home venue against Clare in our next game.

Even without the red card, Down were impressive early on as Barry O’hagan and Niall Donnelly pointed, while Donal O’hare found his range to extend their lead to 0-6 to no score. The Rossies did have a purple patch with three points in as many minutes as Cian Mckeon landed two frees and Conor Devaney slotted one of only two points from play for the home side.

A couple of Diarmuid Murtagh frees lifted Roscommon after the break and Kevin Mcstay’s side then had a great chance to scare Down when Caolan Mooney was penalised for a trip on

Enda Smith which drew the penalty. But Ciarain Murtagh saw his shot saved and Down cruised to the win.

A frustrated Mcstay (inset) said: “It was really very disappointing.

“From the first ball to the last ball, it was one of the poorest performances in my time here.

“It has really kicked us in the teeth in terms of getting out of the division. We’re in no man’s land now really.”

Donal O’hare