Roscommon side face Sligo/Leitrim in crunch clash

Next Sunday at Curragh Park, Ballinasloe, the Roscommon & District League take on the Sligo/Leitrim League in the second game in this season's Oscar Traynor Cup competition. Only one team from a three-team group go through to the knockout stages and with the Donegal League beating the Roscommon & District League 2-1 in Donegal and then the Sligo/Leitrim League beating the Donegal League on a similar scoreline, it all comes down to next Sunday's game in Ballinasloe. The Roscommon & District League must win and a two-goal margin would guarantee them a place in the knockout stages. While the Roscommon & District League were unhappy with their performance in Donegal, they will be hoping for a much better performance or they will not beat this Sligo/Leitrim side. Manager Gerry Tully is very confident of advancing and points to last season when with a little bit of luck they could have reached the final instead of narrowly losing in the semi-finals. Since then, they have lost the services of Donald Ward through injury with Liam Lynch now playing for Longford Town. Robbie Brooks has emigrated and there are concerns about the fitness of a couple of players. The home side have a solid 'keeper in Michael Killalea while defenders Peter Keighery and Garry Egan are experienced players. Midfielders Darragh Concannon, Paul Kelly and Ronan Curran are talented players, while up front Conor McSharry, Mark O'Brien and young Danny Browne can all score goals. It's not going to be easy to win but with home advantage the Roscommon & District League can reach the high standards they set last season. Kick-off time at Ballinasloe is scheduled for 2pm. Roscommon & District Football League panel. Conor McSharry, Evan Curran, Giles McDonagh, Ronan Curran, David Fitzpatrick, Shay Heneghan (Castlerea Celtic), Michael Killalea, Shane Harkin, Mark Killalea (Shiven Rovers), Mark O'Brien, Daniel Morris (Loughglynn), Paul Kelly, Kevin Kenny (Moore Utd), Daniel Browne (Ballaghaderreen), Conor Duignan (Skyvalley Rovers), Peter Keighery, Garry Egan, Darragh Concannon, Henry Loughnane, Gary Furey (Ballinasloe Town), Paul Allen, Darragh O'Gara (Roscommon Town), Declan Murphy (Kilkerrin Utd). Team Manager: Gerry Tully. Assistants: Pat Campbell, Tom Cunningham, Henry Loughnane.