Smith leads Rossies to emphatic victory
Enda Smith produced a Player of the Match performance against Monaghan. Picture: INPHO/James Crombie
A superb performance from Enda Smith ignited a commanding Roscommon victory against Monaghan to breath life into their Division One campaign.
The All-Star from Boyle was immense for the Rossies over the 70 minutes, kicking three points from play and spearheading a Roscommon triumph that never looked in danger once Davy Burke's side went ahead on the scoreboard.
The home side led by 0-9 to 0-4 at half time, with Smith, Daire Cregg, Donie Smith and Ruaidhrí Fallon finding the target from play.
Three minutes into the second half, Shane Cunnane challenged Monaghan goalkeeper, Darren McDonnell, who had caught an effort for a point by James Fitzpatrick underneath his own crossbar. Cunnane was entitled to go for the ball and this time the decision went Roscommon's way as referee Brendan Griffin allowed the goal.
Roscommon never looked back after that. The energy of Niall Higgins was a boon as his defensive colleagues David Murray and Dylan Ruane tagged on scores.
Cregg, Diuarmuid Murtagh and Smith also buttressed Roscommon's scoring difference as Davy Burke's side set up a mouth-watering clash against Mayo in Castlebar next Saturday evening.
