Glass half full for Smith despite defeat against Mayo

Roscommon U-20 football manager, Cian Smith, was far from despondent, despite his side’s loss four-point loss against Mayo at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park on Wednesday evening.

His side’s second defeat in the round robin stages means that a direct route to the provincial final has evaporated, but a win against Leitrim in their final round game on April 15th will, more than likely, secure a top-three spot and a place in the semi-final.

“We knew Mayo would come out all guns blazing. We weathered that storm and we went toe to toe with them, which I was very happy about.

“At the same time, we went one point up and they got 1-6 without reply. That was really the killer. We were chasing things a bit then and trying to force things.

“Leitrim are playing next week (against Mayo). We will take a look at that and a few games they have played already, and we will reassess.

“For ourselves, in terms of our (starting) 15 and (matchday) 24, everything is up for grabs. The break is welcome after three weeks in a row.

“Lads have a lot going on with Leaving Cert orals, college exams and assignments due in. It is a very busy time for the lads, so the break is nice. We have to get ready for Leitrim, which is effectively a Connacht quarter-final now.”