Any worries Mayo fans had about facing Roscommon without Lee Keegan were short lived. They raced into a six point lead. When Roscommon hit back with two scores, Stephen Rochford's side sunk in their strangle hold on the game with two goals in 60 seconds.
The first game from Kevin McLoughlin and the second Andy Moran. They would score four goals in all and add 19 points with them. The Rossies would score just nine points in reply.
ROSCOMMON V MAYO: Andy Moran scores Mayo’s second goal in 2 minutes to give Roscommon a mountain to climb pic.twitter.com/Nw3ks62bcV
— eirSport (@eirSport) August 7, 2017
Long before half-time had arrived, thoughts had turned to the semi-final between Mayo and Kerry in a fortnight's time.
It was a performance which left Mayo fans with renewed optimism.
Roscommon fans attempted to rationalise the scoreline.
Can't believe they changed the field gradient at half time to make us shoot up-hill again! Tough going. #HonDaRos
— chris o'dowd (@BigBoyler) August 7, 2017
The majority of those watching were impressed with the Mayo performance.
Ros have wilted unfortunately, but this has been phenomenal from Mayo.
— Gavin Cooney (@gcooney93) August 7, 2017
Mayo don't like a team tired of road today. Lead by 13 at ht - how is Lee Keegan going to get back in!!!
— Colm Keys (@KeysColm) August 7, 2017
Rather than burned out, Mayo just look match sharp. 7 games in 11 weeks is a great schedule for a top team.
— Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinVM) August 7, 2017
Kerry & Mayo, Dublin & Tyrone.
In fairness, nobody could have predicted that at the start of the year. 🤔— Mike Quirke (@Mike_Quirke) August 7, 2017
Mayo making it too easy for the Kerry boys to yerra it up for the next fortnight.
— Donnchadh Boyle (@depboyle) August 7, 2017
This Mayo are so experienced and always peak in August. The semi against Kerry will be epic
— Colm Rowsome (@trublu1972) August 7, 2017
Mayo deliver best performance under Stephen Rochford with their best player sitting on the sidelines.
— Mark Gallagher (@bailemg) August 7, 2017
It's like Mayo have copped there's nothing left to lose this yr now. Playing at top speed. Physically only Kerry/Dubs/Tyrone can match them.
— Michael Foley (@MickFoley76) August 7, 2017
Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
