Rossies finish the stronger to prevail

Roscommon maintained their perfect start to their Division Three campaign with a win that was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.

After being level at the break, Des Newton’s men pulled away in the second-half despite a goal from an Anton Sullivan penalty that briefly gave the hosts hope. Offaly’s only other score after the interval was a point from an Alan Mulhall free while Roscommon added seven at the other end.

After a low key first-half, the sides were locked at five points apiece. Points were exchanged on the restart but three in succession from Matt Scally, Conor Devanney and Colin Compton gave the Rossies a deserved lead as Offaly began to fade. Sullivan’s penalty gave Offaly hope but they collapsed in the closing minutes as Roscommon dominated, kicking three further points from Ger Heneghan, Scally and Brian Murtagh to claim victory.