Roscommon manager Nigel Dineen adopted a diplomatic stance when quizzed on the controversial late free which gave his side victory in today's drama-filled All-Ireland U-21 FC semi-final against Cork.

"I didn't actually see it to tell you the truth," was his response when asked by TG4 his view on the decision of referee Anthony Nolan to penalise Cork substitute Sam Ryan for picking the ball up with his knees.

Regardless, of how the win came about, the former Rossies star was proud of his players' efforts today.

"It was end-to-end stuff, the third goal nearly put the nail into the coffin because we thought they'd push on.

"Our lads showed great commitment there today, it would have been shame if they had lost that game to tell you the truth because we had gone so far ahead and then to be pulled back and go ahead again.

"It showed great resolve of Cork too but I'm delighted we're in the All-Ireland final."

Dineen wasn't surprised by Cork's strong second half showing.

"We should have been further up at half-time, I thought we should have been 0-13 to 0-5 up at half-time time, we didn't get the few scores near the end of the first half.

"But, look it, we expected they were going to get a purple patch and they did get it with a goal and a point. We came back and responded well and got some great scores ourselves to push back up again to six points.

"But then the goals game and it was just eating your nail stuff at the end." Tweet

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