Super-sub Higgins seals it for Rossies
Monday January 19 2009
DESPITE managing just two points into the teeth of a gale in the second half, Roscommon held on a for a deserved win to top Section A after a hard-fought win over neighbours Mayo at Ballyhaunis yesterday.
Substitute Kevin Higgins found the target four minutes from time to edge Roscommon two clear as Mayo looked set for a draw at least.
Damien Keenehan, Sean McDermott (free) and Gary Cox had Roscommon three points ahead before Karl Mannion's free from 50 yards found the unmarked Senan Kilbride who turned and fired home from close range.
Mannion and Keenehan added two more as Roscommon held sway with a strong wind in the first half to lead 1-5 to 0-1 at the break.
Half-time substitutes Jason Doherty and David Caffrey both made an impact for Mayo, Doherty's well-taken goal bringing the game to life in the 40th minute.
Barry Regan brought Mayo to within s point with 10 minutes remaining but Roscommon were not to be denied.
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Scorers -- Roscommon: S Kilbride 1-0, D Keenehan 0-2, G Cox, C Mannion, S McDermott, S Purcell and K Higgin 0-1 each. Mayo: J Doherty 1-1, A Dillon 0-2 (2f), B Regan, M Sweeney, T Mortimer 0-1 each.
Roscommon -- G Claffey; P O'Connor, P Gleeson, J Nolan; P Kelly, D Casey, S Purcell; K Mannion, B Higgins; G Cox, D Keenehan, S McDermott; F Cregg, M Duignan, S Kilbride. Subs: G Connellan for Kelly (35), K Higgins for Kilbride ( 38) , P Duignan for Gleeson (y/c 45).
Mayo -- D Clarke; S Drake, L O'Malley, C Cafferty; S Prendergast, P Kelly, C Boyle; BJ Padden, B Kelly; A Kilcoyne, B Gallagher, A Dillon; M Sweeney, B Regan T Mortimer. Subs:J Doherty for Kilcoyne (h-t), D Caffrey for Boyle (h-t).
Ref --M Duffy (Sligo).
- Roscommon 1-7 Mayo 1-6 FBD Connacht League SF
