Early goals were the difference as Roscommon powered into the Connacht minor football semi-final with a 4-13 to 2-12 win over Mayo in Dr Hyde Park.
A Ryan Conlon penalty after 12 minutes opened the flood gates of goals as Shane McGinley and Colm Neary found 90 seconds of each other.
Mayo’s Ronan Clarke saw his penalty saved on 30 minute but responded fast as he got Mayo’s first goal of the game.
Quick as a flash Shane McGinley grabbed Roscommon’s fourth goal a minute into stoppage time as Roscommon went in at half-time leading 4-6 to 1-8.
Roscommon picked up where they left off in the second half with points from DJ Hession (2), Enda Nugent (f) making it 4-9 to 1-10, Ben McHale’s 45th minute goal gave Mayo real hope in a five point game.
Shane Walsh immediately replied with a point as Roscommon were strong in defence and sealed the victory with points from James McGreal, Shane Walsh and Nugent in injury time to secure the 4-13 to 2-12 win.
Roscommon will now face Galway in the Connacht minor semi-final with the game set for Tuam Stadium on Saturday July 31st.
