‘We chose to play against the wind’ — Smith

Roscommon U-20 football manager, Cian Smith, has revealed that his side opted to play against the wind in the opening half of Wednesday's evening’s victory against Sligo.

The Rossies found themselves in a precarious position, trailing 0-14 to 0-3 coming up to half time, but Colin Murray’s goal just before the break was a tonic, and the “Primrose and Blue” subsequently went about their business efficiently to turn an eight-point deficit at the interval into a ten-point win.

“We actually spoke about that (playing against the wind) at length, and it was well-decided. We had 22 attacks this week, 12 shots and four scores (in the first half). That was the problem.

“We knew that it was an eight to ten-point wind, so we knew if we kept them well down, we would be fine. The goal before half time helped us, which was a big thing.

“It (the wind) is tough going for seniors, never mind young lads. The whole thing for us playing against the wind was composure and working the ball in to get a shot opportunity. There was no point rushing it.

“Now, in saying that, a few times we did rush it, but they are young lads and they are learning. We will review it and get ready for next week,” he said.

Roscommon’s third game in the championship will be away to Mayo next Wednesday evening.