Plenty of positives for Roscommon LGFA despite controversial draw
Aisling Hanly kicked 0-5 as Roscommon almost pulled off an upset. Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane
Roscommon were left frustrated after a 0-10 to 1-7 draw against a Donegal side that operate in the Senior ranks.
Jodie McFadden’s penalty for Donegal in the 72nd minute ensured a sharing of the spoils after Roscommon produced a gritty and character filled display in Johnstown.
Finbar Egan’s side will be disappointed to have kicked only two points with the wind in the second half but the weather and underfoot conditions made fast, conducive football hard to come by as the contest wore on.
Roscommon produced their best half of the year as they led 0-8 to 0-6 at the break with Aisling Hanly slotting over four scores during that opening period.
Even though Susanne White cut the deficit with a 34th minute free, Roscommon generally dictated proceedings in the second half with five final half wides a sign of their greater cut and thrust up front.
Despite Hanly and a Laura Mannion free helping Roscommon move clear, there was to be further drama.
In the 57th minute, Ria Lennon was sin binned for a frontal charge. The St. Brigid’s clubwoman had been substituted off immediately after being penalised with referee Ger Canny going to the bench to yellow card the wing back.
This meant that Megan McKeon, who had just entered the fray, was forced off as Roscommon were reduced to 14 players.
On the hour mark, Roscommon sought to ensure victory as Laura Mannion tried to round Clare Friel in the Donegal goal.
After being held up, Mannion was subsequently penalised, and sin binned much to the dismay of the centre forward and the home support.
Donegal’s Niamh Carr was also sin binned in the 62nd minute while when McFadden’s powerful 20m free was saved by the impressive Caoimhe O’Reilly, it appeared Roscommon were set to hold out.
However, McFadden’s late penalty ensured Donegal have drawn three of their four league games while Roscommon were left disappointed.
Once the dust settles, they will know this performance is a solid base to build off.
**Full report in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald
