Connacht FBD League round-up

There were two draws, and wins for Roscommon and Galway, following four closely-contested games in the Connacht FBD Football league this afternoon.

Mark Ronaldson missed a late free for Mayo as his side played out a 1-11 to 1-11 draw with IT Sligo at Charlestown.

Mayo led by 0-6 to 0-4 at the interval with two points each from Aidan O'Shea and Ronaldson.

Indeed John O'Mahony's side were lucky to lead at the break after Mayo goalkeeper Robert Hennelly was forced to pull of two fine saves during the opening half.

IT Sligo rallied on the restart with three quick-fire points, but an Andy Moran equaliser and an O'Shea fisted goal, following a five-man move, saw the hosts regain the lead.

However, IT Sligo goalkeeper Alan Faherty from Galway equalised from a '45', with Ronaldson's late miss ensuring the sides shared the spoils.

There was another tight game in the second Group A clash at Dangan, with Roscommon edging NUI Galway by 0-7 to 0-5.

Points from Kevin Higgins, Paul Freeman and James Rogers kept NUIG in contention, despite Roscommon dominating first half possession.

The visitors kicked six first half wides, but found their shooting boots on the restart.

NUIG rued the second half dismissal of Gareth Bradshaw through a second yellow card, in a contest which saw 10 yellow cards produced.

In Group B, a 75th minute point from Colm McGee earned Sligo a 0-13 to 1-10 draw with GMIT at Enniscrone.

In a lively contest, Sligo led by 0-6 to 0-3 at the break. Kieran Finan kicked three first half points for the hosts.

Free-taker Stephen Griffin kept the students in touch in the opening half, and despite amassing nine first half wides their fortunes took a turn for the better on the restart.

Griffin's accuracy improved in the second half and coupled with a Paul Conroy goal, GMIT pushed 1-10 to 0-12 in front late on.

However, substitute McGee added his second point late on to ensure a share of the spoils.

Meanwhile, Joe Kernan's Galway side collected their second win of the current campaign with a 2-9 to 0-5 win over Leitrim at Ballinamore.

Nickey Joyce bagged all of the Tribesmen's first half tally as they led by 1-4 to 0-2 at the break.

Galway continued to show no mercy on the restart with Paddy Kennedy netting their second goal as they ran out comfortable winners.