Roscommon fearful prospect for Mourne

Roscommon fearful prospect for Mourne

2 March 2016

THE Mourne cavalcade will make its way out west to Dr Hyde Park on Sunday as Roscommon provide the next test for a struggling Down side.

Kevin McStay’s Rossies hit the headlines at the weekend after their stunning 4-25 to 2-10 triumph over Cork.

So much so was their dominance in this game that the 2-13 that they scored in the first half all came from play.

The Connacht men have frightening attacking prowess and they have already proved their mettle by defeating Kerry on the opening day.

Their only blemish to date has been a loss to Monaghan but the landslide victory over Cork has them right back on track.

Down’s defeat to Kerry on Sunday wasn’t unexpected. There was plenty of effort from the Mournemen but they were severely lacking quality in key positions.

With the Johnstons, Ryan and Jerome, ruled out for the foreseeable future, Eamon Burns has been hit by a double hammer blow.

Also, the fanciful returns of Benny Coulter and Marty Clarke are beginning to look like utopian pipe dreams.

However, Burns and his players need to pick themselves up once more.

It will take a lot of motivation from the management team to lift spirits and after three defeats this could be difficult to do.

Burns will likely to continue his experimentation. Michael Cunningham had a good hour in goals against Kerry but with Gordon and Kane waiting in the wings the position maybe altered.

Out the field there is a feeling that the experience of Ryan Boyle, Ryan Mallon and Donal O’Hare will be needed from the start and all three will likely be on from the throw-in.

Midfield is still problematic and Burns may gamble and bring Niall Madine into the equation alongside Peter Turley.

Veterans Kevin McKernan, Mark Poland and Aidan Carr will have been very frustrated with themselves of late and the trio will be looking to improve their lot against the Rossies.

Barry O’Hagan showed glimpses of class against Shane Enright and should get another chance in the attack.

Roscommon are led by captain Ciaran Murtagh and have in Senan Kilbride, Fintan Cregg and Cathal Gregg three quality match winners. Neil Collins and Conor Devaney will also need to be monitored closely.

They are a work in progress in defence and the Mournemen will definitely be able to land more than 0-6 against their rearguard.

Down’s much-needed first win is as far away as ever. Division one is proving to be a tough hunting ground.

A vast improvement is required and the Mournemen will do well to avoid the same fate as Cork.