THE WEST IS BEST
Mcstay’s men edge a dour decider
MAYO’S ten-year drought in the FBD League may have come to an end, but the pedestrian fare produced will leave neither Kevin Mcstay nor Davy Burke in a positive mindset heading into the National League.
While there was no shortage of endeavour from either side, it was only when the two managers introduced some of their proven, experienced stars off the bench that an element of composure was brought to the game.
While Mayo led for long stretches, Donie Smith and Conor Cox came off the bench to kick two points each for the Rossies and bring the lead back down to two points immediately after Mayo full-back Rory Brickenden was dismissed for his second yellow card.
However at the other end Aidan O’shea came up with some big possessions and Cillian O’connor struck two late scores, with Conor Loftus then driving forward to complete the scoring for the winners.
Unlike the previous week’s action, where the scores came think and fast on the artificial surface and benign conditions of the Connacht GAA Air Dome, there was a real paucity of attacking quality here, particularly in the opening half, which ended with Mayo taking an 0-5 to 0-2 lead into the dressing room.
Traces of attacking rhythm began to be found after half-time, but instead of players struggling to create chances, the two sides struggled to finish them.
But 13 wides didn’t help Roscommon’s cause, though Mayo would argue that on another night they might have found the net from one of the chances that were missed by O’donoghue and Bob Tuohy.
Without ever making any inroads close to goal, Roscommon worked their way back into things and two sublime strikes from Smith and Cox, left them within striking distance against Mayo’s 14 men.
Instead O’connor was able to light up the Dome with a touch of class to keep Mayo in front, even if it would be stretching things to say that they’ll have made the short journey home in high spirits after this.
SCORERS - MAYO: E Hession (0-1),
C Loftus (0-1), S Coen (0-1), J Flynn (0-1), D O’connor (0-1, 45), F Mcdonagh (0-1), C Mcstay (0-1), R O’donoghue
(0-4, 0-3f, 0-1m), C O’connor (0-2, 0-1f). ROSCOMMON: N Daly (0-1), K Doyle (0-1), D Murtagh (0-2), D Smith (0-2), C Cox
(0-2, 0-1f), P Gillooly (0-1).