Dublin frustrated as late Roscommon rally secures draw

Roscommon's 43-year wait for a Championship win at Croke Park goes on but, in the circumstances, a draw to kickstart their All-Ireland SFC campaign will probably feel like one against the head for Davy Burke's men.

Roscommon put themselves in a strong position to claim a landmark win when they led by four points with half an hour remaining.

But having then been overtaken by a resurgent Dublin, and after falling two points behind, the visitors will have been grateful to escape with a share of the spoils.

Stoppage-time points from substitute Conor Cox and Donie Smith did the trick for Roscommon who have put themselves in a strong position to advance to the All-Ireland group stage.

They will host Sligo next Sunday in Round 2 before wrapping up their campaign against Kildare. Dublin, meanwhile, will play the Lilywhites at UPMC Nowlan Park next Saturday.

Both sides did have the opportunities to win this one. In the closing minutes, Dublin supporters in the 30,802 crowd winced as Dean Rock and Brian Fenton between them butchered three great chances for points.

Roscommon could have won it themselves too as Cox had a late, long-range free to win it that he sliced wide at the Davin End.

Dublin typically approached the encounter as favourites but within minutes it became clear that Roscommon weren't burdened by any inferiority complex.

And why would they have been? Burke's side came into the game off the back of nine games in a row against Division 1 opposition between the league and championship, winning five of those matches.

Dublin, meanwhile, had operated in Division 2 throughout spring before retaining the Leinster titles with wins over Division 4 and 2 teams respectively.

Even with all their experience it was a fresh challenge for the