Allianz Football League Division Two: Louth v Roscommon at the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda on Sunday at 2 pm
After last weekend’s exciting win against Down at Dr Hyde Park, Davy Burke’s side will be hoping to keep winning when they face Louth in what looks a formidable challenge in Drogheda this Sunday.
Roscommon’s record against Louth over the years has been very good, but the Wee County have improved significantly over the past two years and within their ranks they have several outstanding players, not least current All-Star Craig Lennon and outstanding full-forward Sam Mulroy.
An indication of just how competitive this division is was clear for all to see in Mullingar last Sunday when Louth scraped past Westmeath by just two points when sub Sean Reynolds scored a fisted goal in injury-time to give his side a two-point win.
Louth fielded a strong team – which included Lennon and Mulroy – and Roscommon will need to be at their best to cope with the home side on Sunday. Other Louth players to watch out for will be Andy McDonnell, Ciaran Downey and Peter Lynch.
It will be interesting to see what starting 15 Davy Burke and his selectors opt for on Sunday. As we said here last week, Roscommon have so many options in attack, and Ciaráin Murtagh and Ben O’Carroll will be knocking at the door for starting places this weekend after doing so well last Sunday.
I thought that Shane Killoran was doing well before he was taken off against Down, and with Diarmuid Murtagh, Daire Cregg, Enda Smith, Donie Smith, Ultan Harney, Cian McKeon and Conor Cox all in contention, it’s a great situation for the selectors.
There may be some changes in the middle of the field for Roscommon as that area continues to be a problem. Further back, Pearse Frost, Colm Neary, Niall Higgins, Brian Stack and Tim Lambe all did well. It will also be interesting to see if the selectors persist with Shane Cunnane at centre half-back. Conor Carroll will continue to play a major role, as goalkeepers on all teams will be central to the game plan under the new rules.
This will be a close game and Louth will provide a huge test for Roscommon. However the firepower available to the visitors should be the difference. I am expecting Roscommon to win by three or four points.
Prediction: Roscommon.
