Smith's goal proves decisive score for Roscommon

UNDER-21 FOOTBALL CONNACHT SEMI-FINAL/Roscommon 1-11 Mayo 0-10:ROSCOMMON QUALIFIED for a third successive provincial final when they dismissed a fancied Mayo side in an entertaining clash at Kiltoom last night.

A goal from Donal Smith six minutes from time was the decisive score when he blasted past Paul Mannion after chasing down Ciarán Murtagh’s wayward shot.

Nigel Dineen’s side didn’t take long to get into their stride and two points in the first two minutes from Niall Kilroy and Colin Compton saw them race the lead. But Mayo are dangerous in front of goal and a 45 from Aidan Walsh and Evan Regan’s first score saw them level with six minutes gone.

Roscommon’s full-forward line edged their side ahead through Donal Smith’s well-struck free and Cian Connolly, who finished off a slick move through the hands for a 0-4 to 0-2 lead. But from then on Mayo held the upper hand.

ROSCOMMON: N Connaughton; R Stack, C Duignan, D Murray; C Daly, P Brogan, C Cafferkey; F Kelly, N Daly (0-1); F Cregg (0-1), N Kilroy (0-1), D Clabby; C Connolly (0-1), C Compton (0-1), D Smith (1-4, 3fs). Subs: S Oates (0-1) for Clabby (half-time); J McManus for Kelly, C Shine for Connolly (both 41); C Murtagh (0-1) for Cregg (51).

MAYO: P Mannion; N Freeman, D Gavin, M Walsh; C Crowe, S McDermott, M Forde; A Walsh (0-1, 45), D Geraghty; A Farrell, C OConnor (0-3, 3f), B Harrison; E Regan (0-2, 1f), D Coen, C O’Shea (0-3, 2f). Subs: J Shaughnessy (0-1, f) for Harrison (36 mins); D Kirby for Farrell (44); C Walsh for Coen (51); A O’Toole for Regan (58).

Referee: R McBrien (Leitrim).

Next Up . . .

Roscommon await the winners of the semi-final between Sligo and Leitrim, which will take place this Saturday at Markievicz Park (2.30pm).