Second-half Roscommon surge sees them past Down at Dr Hyde Park

Roscommon produced a second-half scoring surge to see off Down in a thrilling game at King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park.

A game that featured nine two-pointers (three from Roscommon and six from Down) unleashed the full repertoire of new rules, but, ultimately, it was the home supporters who went home happy with two league points in the bag.

Davy Burke's men found themselves five points behind at the break, but their substitutes made a huge impact with Ciaráin Murtagh, who was introduced at the break, capping a memorable comeback for the home side with a superb 58th minute goal.

Down made full use of the breeze behind them in the opening half, kicking their six two-pointers from outside the outer scoring arc — four of them coming from impressive full-forward Pat Havern — to lead by 1-14 to 2-06 at the break.

Roscommon had made a dream start when a surging run by Enda Smith saw the 2023 All-Star exchange passes with his Boyle clubmate Daire Cregg before finding the net.

But Down warmed to their task and a couple of two pointers from Havern, including a long-range free, brought the Mourne men level by the eighth minute.

The visitors received a major boost in the 15th minute when Havern’s attempt for a score was half blocked and Ryan McEvoy guided the ball beyond Conor Carroll with his hand.

Roscommon grabbed a second goal in the 26th minute when Shane Killoran’s effort for a point wasn’t gathered by Down goalkeeper John O’Hare, and Cian McKeon — making his return to Roscommon colours — had the easiest of tasks to find the net.

But Down’s ability to kick two-pointers was their trump card, with McEvoy, Havern (2), and James Guinness seeing their efforts rewarded with orange flags.

Roscommon had the chance to score a third goal when