Cavan 1-16

Roscommon 3-17

ROSCOMMON RECOVERED FROM the concession of an early goal to keep their championship hopes alive with a convincing win over Cavan in their Round 2A qualifier on Saturday evening.

Cavan came storming out of the blocks to hit the front through Martin Reilly’s goal after just 27 seconds but the Rossies weren’t deterred and settled into the contest to take a stranglehold of proceedings.

Tómas Corr’s sending-off at the start of the second-half was the game’s defining moment as any hopes Cavan had of upsetting the odds were dashed.

Roscommon made their numerical advantage count as Enda Smith pierced through the entire Cavan defence to slot past Raymond Galligan and he added his second goal in the dying embers to add further gloss to the scoreboard.

John Evans’ side suffered defeat to Sligo in the Connacht semi-final last month but are now back on track as they take their place in the Round 3A draw.

If truth be told, they should have wrapped up the victory a lot sooner than they did.

Roscommon enjoyed much of the possession throughout an entertaining game but were guilty of spurning point-scoring opportunities throughout the first period.

They kicked six wides to Cavan’s four before the break and their profligacy kept the hosts in the contest.

Ultan Harney, Jason McLoughlin and Killian Clarke grapple for possession. Tommy Grealy / INPHO Tommy Grealy / INPHO / INPHO

After Reilly caught Roscommon cold, Cathal Cregg restored parity with a fine finish but with little to separate the sides, Corr’s dismissal swung the pendulum firmly in the visitors’ favour.

Corr had been substituted at the break but referee David Gough called him off the bench before brandishing a red card. He appeared to hit out at Ultan Harney shortly before half-time and his dismissal marked the end of Cavan’s championship interest for another year.

Scorers for Cavan: Martin Reilly 1-3, Cian Mackey, Barry Reilly 0-3 (0-1f) each, Niall Murray 0-2, Niall McDermott (0-1f), Gearoid McKiernan, Martin Dunne, Michael Argue 0-1 each.

Scorers for Roscommon: Enda Smith 2-1, Cathal Cregg 1-1, Ciaran Murtagh (0-1f), Ultan Harney, Donie Shine (0-2f), Diarmuid Murtagh 0-3 each, Conor Daly 0-2, Donie Smith 0-1 (0-1f).

Cavan

1. Raymond Galligan (Lacken)

2. Jason McLoughlin (Shannon Gaels)
3. James McEnroe (Ramor Utd)
4. Killian Brady

5. Niall Murray (Cavan Gaels)
6. Feargal Flanagan (Butlersbridge)
7. Damien O’Reilly (Belturbet)

8. Gearoid McKiernan (Swanlinbar)
9. Tomas Corr (Denn)

10. Cian Mackey (Castlerahan)
11. Dara McVeety (Crosserlough)
12. Martin Reilly (Killygarry)

13. Ronan Flanagan (Castlerahan)
14. Michael Argue (Bailieboro)
15. Niall McDermott (Ballinagh)

Subs: 

18. Tom Hayes for McDermott (inj) (18)
23. Barry Reilly (Kingscourt) for Brady
20. Ciaran Brady for Damien O’Reilly (50)

Roscommon

1. Darren O’Malley (Michael Glaveys)

2. Seán McDermott (Western Gaels)
3. Neil Collins (Castlerea St. Kevins)
4. David Murray (Padraig Pearses)

5. Niall Murray (Cavan Gaels)
6. David Keenan (St Barry’s)
7. Ciaran Cafferky (Western Gaels)

8. Ian Kilbride (St. Brigids)
9. Kevin Higgins (Western Gaels)

10. Conor Daly (Padraig Pearses)
11. Cathal Cregg (Western Gaels)
12. Enda Smith (Boyle)

18. Ultan Harney (Clann na Gael)
14. Donie Shine (Clann na Gael)
15. Ciaráin Murtagh (St. Faithleachs)

Subs: 

26. Diarmuid Murtagh (St Faithleach’s) for Higgins (44)
19. Ronan Stack (St Brigid’s) for Kilbride (51)
13. Donal Smith (Boyle) for Ciaran Murtagh (56)
21. Brian Murtagh (St Faithleach’s) for Shine (61)
17. Thomas Featherstone (Oran) for Murray  (64)
20. Cian Connolly (Roscommon Gaels) for Cregg (66)

Referee: David Gough (Meath)

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