Late Roscommon rally secures a share of the spoils

What a difference a year makes. In January 2011, the corresponding FBD Connacht SFL tie between the same teams fell foul of a frozen pitch which forced its cancellation for three weeks. No such problems this year, when both protagonists returned to the splendid Ballyforan venue on Sunday last for their Round 1 fixture - in conditions more akin to a balmy spring day. In this regard, compliments to St Aidan's on the provision of a spanking new pressbox on the stand side of their grounds which further enhances the already top range facilities provided here. Newly appointed Roscommon boss Des Newton was making his competitive debut, having succeeded Fergal O'Donnell. He was forced to plan minus the services of the St Brigid's squad, and a number of college-tied panellists. Listed full-back Ronan Brady (injured) and full-forward Donal Shine (ill) were also absent, replaced by Michael Higgins and Colin Compton respectively. Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology manager Eoin O'Donnellan (in charge of St Brigid's in 2009) and his follow selectors brought a strong squad to Ballyforan, buttressed by Galway's 2011 All-Ireland U21 winning trio Aonghus Tierney, Johnny Duane and Patrick Sweeney. But the visitors were put under instant pressure from the start by a Roscommon outfit who failed to convert early dominance into scores. However, the hunger being displayed by their attack, especially Colin Compton, Conor Devaney and David O'Gara, the latter making a welcome return from injury, gave promise of better things to come. After seven scoreless minutes, Conor Devaney forced a good save from GMIT custodian Brendan Walsh at the expense of a '45'. Midfielder Michael Finneran's shot hit the upright and, in ensuing play, centre-back Enda Kenny saw his kick rebound off the same upright. Conor Devaney secured possession from this, sent a through ball to the in rushing Compton - goal! It was no more than Roscommon deserved for their almost incessant pressure, with John Rogers adding a point from play 3 minutes later. The students, forced on the defensive up to now, briefly rallied and, in their first real attack, full-forward Sweeney placed Kilbride clubman Darren Clabby for their opening point. Johnny Ryan (free) added another 2 minutes later. But points from John Rogers (free), Colin Compton and David O'Gara put Roscommon five to the good. The subsequently highly effective Aidan Walsh was introduced to the Corrib side's midfield and a tonic goal for the students soon arrived, when a Cathal Sweeney centre was expertly fisted to the Roscommon net by Wicklow's Diarmuid Cronin in the 23rd minute. Alert custodian Geoffrey Claffey prevented another goal strike a minute later, but with midfielder Kevin Higgins showing the way with two magnificent points from play, and Conor Devaney posting another beauty on the run. GMIT's only reply to this late Roscommon point fest was a pointed free courtesy of sub Aidan Walsh. And so, at half-time, the home side led by 1-7 to 1-3. Colin Compton, hugely impressive in the first half despite also being on Hastings Cup duty the previous day (1-point loss to Cavan), was replaced at half-time by Clann na nGael's Matt Scally, who was lively in the Roscommon attack. But with the strengthening wind now favouring the students, the pendulum steadily swung in their favour. As happened early in the first half, inaccuracy returned to frustrate the home forward division. And with Johnny Ryan about to emerge as a hero for GMIT, a surprise looked a distinct possibility. Ryan (three points, two '45's) and Aidan Walsh (free) brought the visitors level, but Roscommon produced the goods when Kevin Higgins shot two superlative points from play, the first off the outside of the boot, a truly excellent effort. Like a Hitchcock thriller, this now absorbing contest took another twist in the 53rd minute, full-forward Patrick Sweeney fielded a high centre in the Roscommon goal area and was adjudged to have been fouled - penalty! Up stepped Johnny Ryan to clinically convert the spotkick, giving his team the lead for the first time. Defender Seanie McDermott made one of his typical upfield rallies to inspire his attacking colleagues, but he lost possession and, following a quick turnover, the now rampant Ryan drove the ball straight between the posts for a 2-point lead as the clock would down. Now in serious danger of defeat, the Rossies mounted a late rally which succeeded in grinding out a draw as first, sub Ger Heneghan pointed and, in injury time, Michael Finneran forced a close-in free with John Rogers converting to bring the sides level. The college side sought a late winner, but the Roscommon defence held firm to secure a deserved draw. Scorers - Roscommon: C Compton 1-1, K Higgins 0-4, J Rogers 0-3 (2f), D O'Gara, C Devaney, G Heneghan 0-1 each. GMIT: J Ryan 1-5 (1-0pen, 0-2 '45s, 0-1f), D Cronin 1-0, A Walsh 0-2 (2f), D Clabby 0-1. Roscommon: Geoffrey Claffey, Sean McDermott, Michael Higgins, Stephen Ormsby, Cathal Dineen, Enda Kenny, Sean Purcell, Michael Finneran, Kevin Higgins, Brian Murtagh, David O'Gara, Darren McDermott, Conor Devaney, Colin Compton, John Rogers. Subs: Matt Scally for Compton (h/t); Ger Heneghan for McDermott (40); Scott Oates for Murtagh (50); Jack Sharkey for Ormsby (55); Daniel Rogers for Purcell (inj., 62). GMIT: Brendan Walsh, Myles Kelly, Aonghus Tierney, Diarmuid Lee, Cathal Sweeney, Johnny Duane, Jason McLoughlin, Donagh McIntyre Sean Boyle, Darren Clabby, Johnny Ryan, Niall Prenty, Diarmuid Cronin, Patrick Sweeney, Niall Farragher. Subs: Aidan Walsh for McIntyre (22); Darren Durkan for Clabby (49), Eoin Ward for Farragher (55). Referee: Jerome Henry (Mayo).