WICKLOW moved ahead of yesterday's victims, Roscommon with a clear cut, if hard earned 1-13 to 0-9 victory which maintains their unbeaten run in Division Three. It is never easy to come away from Athleague with something to show for your efforts, particularly at this level.
The half time score of 0-5 to 0-4 gave credence to the tightness of the exchanges, but the decisive break came five minutes into the new half. Full forward Don Hyland got through for the only goal of the game.
Minutes later, Wicklow had the chance to wrap matters up when Stephen Coady was felled in the large parallelogram. Roscommon goalkeeper Adrian Tully denied Hyland, however. As it turned out this was incidental, as Hyland, Eddie King, John O'Toole and Jonathan O'Neill tacked on late points.
Kildare had a hard fought win over Armagh, who, without a single point so far, gave as good as they got. The scoring power of Brian Colston and good play of Ronan Byrne were enough to keep Armagh at bay in an uninspiring victory.
Down trampled all over Donegal at Ballyshannon. This was a case of boys against men with Noel Sands, former all star Gerard McGrattan and Mickey Braniff teasing and tormenting Donegal with their superior stickwork. One had to spare a thought for Andrew Wallace, who shot eight points for Donegal. His accuracy from placed balls and from play on a meagre and ill directed supply of possession was admirable.
Derry made it two wins from four at Dundalk. Sharp shooting midfielder Ronan McCluskey and on form goal poacher John O'Dwyer made the difference in an expected win against Louth.
On this showing, Louth's drift towards demotion is a particular pity for Emmet Downey and Ger Collins, who foraged and grafted for possession gaining the due reward. Derry may yet be involved in the promotion shake up. Gregory Biggs and Geoffery McGonigle made good contributions to the Derry tally, as they recovered well from a drubbing by Carlow last week.
Tyrone and Monaghan continued to show the way in Division Four. Tyrone embarrassed Cavan at Gowna. Three goals in the first quarter from McKenna (2) and Tyrone Eoghan Oliver Kerr set on their way to a 3-3 to 0-6 half time lead. Things improved a little for the home side in the second half, but they could never force a goal and ran out of ideas long before the end.
Monaghan had an even more comprehensive win over Fermanagh, by 6-16 to 0-4, at Enniskillen.
On Saturday evening, Longford ensured Mayo remained pointless at Ballina. This was a somewhat closer encounter, with Mayo's inability to get goals once again a hindrance to progress from the foot of the table. Lodged with Mayo are Leitrim, who were easily beaten by Sligo.
