Bobby Nugent’s late free ensures Roscommon draw with Sligo U20s

Connacht U20FC Round 2: Sligo 0-9 Roscommon 0-9

Bobby Nugent, in action for the Roscommon minors in 2021, stepped up for the county's U-20s. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Bobby Nugent ensured Roscommon came away with a draw for the second week in succession as the St Brigid’s clubman knocked over a late free to ensure a share of the spoils at Markievicz Park.

The Rossies came into the match on the back of last week’s draw against Mayo in which they also knocked over an injury-time free to equalise, while last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists Sligo opened their campaign following a bye last time out.

The Yeats men played with the aid of the breeze in the opening half as they lead at the break by 0-6 to 0-2.

They started the game well as Eli Rooney had the home side two points in front before Shane McGinley and Rory Carthy added frees to leave the sides level after 14 minutes of play.

Sligo dominated the second quarter of the match with Rossa Sloyan adding two points for his side to ensure they lead at the break by four points.

Roscommon had the wind advantage in the second half and they made great use out of it, kicking six points without reply. Brothers Eoghan and Rory Carthy both were among the scores as Noel Gunning’s side came from four down to lead by two points after 48 minutes of play.

Sligo were very sluggish in the third quarter but last year’s All-Ireland finalists upped their game in the final ten minutes as points from Rooney and free from Luke Marren had the sides level.

Ronan Niland looked like he had grabbed the winner for his side on 59 minutes before Nugent landed the crucial free at the death.

Scorers – Sligo: E Rooney 0-3 (45); R Sloyan, L Marren (2f) 0-2 each; R Niland, R Doherty 0-1 each. Roscommon: S McGinley 0-3 (1f, 1m); R Cathy 0-2f; B Nugent (1f), R Hestor, E Carthy 0-1 each

Sligo: E Carden; R Chambers, C Johnston, T Ross; E Barrett, D McLoughlin, R Sloyan; C Sheridan, R Doherty; D Walsh, R Niland, J Donlon; L Marren, C Walsh, E Rooney. Subs: R O’Kelly Lynch for E Barrett 39; R O’Callaghan for D Walsh 49; C Kenny for C Walsh 49; R O’Hehir for R Chambers 60; F Campbell for R Sloyan 62

Roscommon: S Allen; E Kerins, D Casey, T Morris; J McGreal, S Lambe, E Carthy; C Ryan, S Walsh; R Hestor, B Nugent, R Heneghan; S McGinley, R Carthy, C Harley Subs: R Conlon for R Heneghan 51; D Hagney for R Hestor 51; O O’Flaherty for S Walsh 54; R Dowling for R Carthy 55; N O’Donnell for S McGinley 59

Ref: C Ryan (Galway)