Donegal strike late in Roscommon to maintain unbeaten start

Jodie McFadden’s 72nd minute penalty helped Donegal maintain their unbeaten start to this year’s Lidl Ladies NFL.

The goal was shrouded in controversy as Roscommon were left angered by referee Ger Canny deciding to play 12 minutes of injury time. 

In a dramatic finale to the game, Roscommon saw Ria Lennon and Laura Mannion sin-binned while Donegal also saw Niamh Carr receive a yellow card in injury time. 

Despite a flat display in front of the posts, McFadden’s penalty ensured Donegal have now drawn three of their four games.

Donegal once more found a way to secure a result. A Roisin Rodgers point in the 65th minute helped them to a draw in the opening round tie against Clare while Rodgers’ dramatic goal helped inspire Donegal to a two-point victory over Monaghan.

Roscommon could have put this game to bed when leading 0-10 to 0-7 but Laura Fleming tried to round Clare Friel in the Donegal goal. 

The Roscommon centre forward was penalised for leaning in with her shoulder and was subsequently sin-binned much to the dismay of an increasingly exasperated home support.

Donegal’s chances of securing a result appeared slim especially after McFadden saw a 20m free saved by Caoimhe O’Reilly in the Roscommon goal after 67th minutes. 

The penalty came after a McFadden free was dropped in on the Roscommon square, and even though the home side secured possession, referee Ger Canny penalised Roscommon for barging and awarded a penalty. 

McFadden stepped up and impressively held her nerve following a lengthy stoppage to tuck home the penalty as Donegal survived.

Despite their numerical advantage Donegal struggled up front as they were almost left to rue trailing 0-8 to 0-6 at the interval despite enjoying wind advantage in the opening period. 

However, strong Donegal defending restricted Roscommon to just two points in the second half and even though they struggled to create opportunities, Donegal kept themselves alive.

Donegal started the quicker as two Susanne White points helped them lead 0-3 to 0-1. However, Roscommon came back strong with Aisling Hanly’s four opening half points helping her side lead 0-8 to 0-6 at the interval.

White kicked a free in the 34th minute in what was Donegal’s only point in the final half. Roscommon kicked five wides in the second period but Hanly and Mannion (free) increased their lead. 

However, McFadden stepped up to ensure a share of the spoils as Donegal will next host last year’s All Ireland Senior finalists Galway.

Roscommon Scorers: Aisling Hanly 0-5,1f; Laura Mannion 0-2; Shannon McGuiness, Róise Lennon and Caoimhe Lennon 0-1 each.

Donegal Scorers: Susanne White 0-5, 4 f), Jodie McFadden 1-1, 1P), Rhiana McColgan 0-1.

Roscommon: Caoimhe O’Reilly; Rachel Brady, Ellen Irwin, Megan Kelly; Ria Lennon, Saoirse Wynne, Orla O’Neill; Abby Curran, Niamh Watson; Shannon McGuinness, Laura Mannion, Caoimhe Cregg; Aisling Hanly, Róise Lennon, Caoimhe Lennon.

Subs: Ella Thompson for Cregg (46 mins), Lisa O’Rourke for Curran (55 mins), Megan McKeon for Ria Lennon (57 mins), Megan McKeon for C Lennon (59 mins), Rachel Fitzmaurice for McGuinness (61 mins).

Donegal: Clare Friel; Shauna McFadden, Abigail Temple Asokuh, Sophie McFeeley; Niamh Carr, Evelyn McGinley, Niamh Boyle; Roisin Rodgers, Rhiana McColgan; Leeza Cunningham, Katie Dowd, Feena McManamon; Jodie McFadden, Susanne White, Eve Gallagher.

Subs: Amy Porter for Temple Asokuh (15 mins), Shannon McLoughlin for Cunningham (half-time), Tara Rose Mahon for McFeeley (half-time), Cait Gillespie for Gallagher (45 mins), Niamh Harkin for S. McFadden (45 mins), Ava Walsh for McColgan (46 mins), Mia Bennett for White (57 mins).

Referee: Ger Canny (Mayo)