Doyle's goal pivotal as Rossies keep late Louth comeback at bay
Enda Smith and his Roscommon team-mates had to dig deep against Louth in Drogheda. Picture: INPHO/James Lawlor
Diarmuid and Ciaráin Murtagh kicked 0-10 between them as the Rossies made it two wins from two in Division Two with a hard-earned win against hosts, Louth, at Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda, on Sunday afternoon.
Davy Burke's men controlled the scoreboard for the most part but they were made sweat late on when a late Louth rally threatened an unlikely smash and grab raid.
However, Keith Doyle's goal seven minutes from time proved to be the pivotal score as Roscommon picked a crucial win on the road to keep their promotion ambitions intact.
Loutth signalled some early intent when Craig Lennon burst through the heart of the Roscommon defence and grabbed the game’s opening score. But the sight of the All-Star limping from the fray minutes later was a big blow to the home side.
Roscommon hit back with points from Diarmuid Murtagh and Ciaráin Murtagh to lead before Louth edged 0-3 to 0-2 ahead, thanks to points from Sam Mulroy (free) and Andy McDonnell.
But Roscommon began to get on top around the middle and their press in attack began to reap a rich harvest.
Five scores on the bounce from Ciaráin Murtagh, Shane Cunnane (mark), Enda Smith and Diarmuid Murtagh (2) left Davy Burke’s charges 0-7 to 0-3 ahead after 26 minutes.
But a two-point free from Mulroy from 45 metres hauled a Louth side, who kicked seven first-half wides, back into contention, before a Donie Smith point from play and a two-point free from Diarmuid Murtagh on the call of half time left the visitors 0-10 to 0-5 ahead.
Roscommon were always able to keep the scoreboard ticking over, while Colm Neary excelled in defence.
Ciaráin Murtagh, Donie Smith, Diarmuid Murtagh and Daire Cregg (free) ensured that their side remained in control, and when midfielder Keith Doyle fastened himself to the end of a good move to find the net with seven minutes remaining, the Rossies were in the box seat, leading by 1-14 to 0-11.
But when Sam Mulroy was allowed to run 40 yards before setting up Leddy for a well-worked goal, a grandstand finish loomed.
But Roscommon held on and substitute Conor Cox kicked a point deep into injury time to help his side make it two wins from two.
Scorers – Roscommon: D Murtagh 0-6 ( 1 2pf, 1f), C Murtagh 0-4, K Doyle 1-0, D Smith 0-2, S Cunnane (1m), D Cregg (1f), E Smith, B O’Carroll, C Cox 0-1 each.
Louth: S Mulroy (2 2pf, 4f) 0-8, C Downey (1 2p) 0-3, V Leddy 1-0, C Lennon, A McDonnell, K McArdle, D McDonnell 0-1 each
ROSCOMMON – C Carroll; C Neary, P Frost, N Higgins; B Stack, S Cunnane, J McManus; E Nolan, K Doyle; S Killoran, C Murtagh, E Smith; D Murtagh, D Smith, D Cregg. Subs: S Lambe for Nolan (50), C McKeon for Killoran (53), U Harney for D Smith (57), R Fallon for McManus (b/s, 58), B O’Carroll for Cregg (62), C Cox for D Murtagh (70).
LOUTH – N McDonnell; D Campbell, P Lynch, D McKenny; C McKeever, E Carolan, C Lennon; T Durnin, D McDonnell; C Murphy, C Downey, A McDonnell; D McConnon, S Mulroy, S Reynolds. Subs: T McDonnell for Lennon (3), P Grimes Murphy for C Murphy (39), K McArdle for Reynolds (44), L Jackson for Carolan (50), V Leddy for McConnon (62).
REF – C Dourneen (Cavan).
