| Dolan’s men take massive
step to play-off place  Leitrim
restored their hopes of clinching a promotion spot by producing a magnificent
second-half comeback to defeat Roscommon at Dr. Hyde Park.
With Carlow and Monaghan beating Longford and Offaly respectively John
Maughan’s Rossies needed only a point to secure a semi-final place
of their own and looked like getting it when they amassed a 0-9 to 0-3
lead with 15 minutes remaining.
Supporters of the home side thought the two points were in the bag and
were already looking forward to their clash with Offaly before disaster
struck.
All six of Roscommon’s starting forwards scored from play with Gary
Cox particularly impressive. Leitrim never let their heads drop though
and found themselves back in the game when James Glancy goaled on 50 minutes.
When Gary McClusky hit a second goal for Leitrim the momentum switched
to Dessie Dolan’s men and late points from Kieran Duignan, Colin
Regan and Barry McWeeney were enough to seal the much-needed points for
Leitrim.
Dolan’s men can now advance to the League semi-finals by winning
both of their remaining games. Of course these include this weekend’s
visit to play London at Ruislip and a final-day clash with table-toppers
Monaghan.
This was Leitrim’s second win on the trot having easily disposed
of Carlow a week earlier and Dolan’s men will be fully-focused when
they make the trip to London on Sunday in a must-win game.
Roscommon would still be favourites to secure the second semi-final spot
though. They relaxed a little once they went significantly in front but
have the makings of a serious team and it wouldn’t be a surprise
to see both of these sides making a major impact in the Connacht Championship
this summer.
Leitrim manager Dolan was delighted with his side’s display and
their ability to claw Roscommon back when it seemed the game was beyond
them.
He said: “We are still aiming for a top-four finish. We still have
two games to go and we’ll be fighting to win every game.”
Roscommon will face Offaly on April 15 knowing that only a win over the
Faithful County men will assure them a place in the quarter-finals.
John Maughan’s side have stuttered in this year’s National
League only reaching the pinnacle of their abilities far too infrequently.
It was thought the All-Ireland success of the minor side in 2006 would
act as the vital catalyst which hasn’t been present in Roscommon
football for decades.
Sadly however the Rossies have found a consistent run of high-quality
performances difficult to come by.
While they may well qualify for the play-offs this year the real Holy
Grail of Connacht glory still remains out of reach. |
