Mayo held off a spirted comeback from neighbours Roscommon to record a 1-16 to 2-11 at Dr Hyde Park this afternoon and move two points clear at the top of the Allianz Football League Division 1 table.

Jack Carney’s goal on 48 minutes looked to have a third win on the trot wrapped up for Kevin McStay’s men but, to their credit, the Rossies fought to the finish until Matthew Ruane’s late point ensured victory for the visitors.

Unbeaten in the campaign coming into this derby, Mayo fired over the first six seven inside 18 minutes with Cillian O’Connor, Tommy Conroy and James Carr all in fine shooting form early on.

Diarmuid Murtagh’s 20th minute free eventual got Davy Burke’s men off the mark and they’d trail by 0-9 to 0-4 at the half.

The gap was at five again when ‘Man of the Match’ Carney was gifted a goal following a lapse in the home side’s defence after which the points looked safe for Mayo.

However, the difference would be back down to three after Enda Smith’s goal and, while McStay’s men would push it out to five again, Conor Cox netted another for the Rossies that ensured a nail-biting finish.

A point separated the sides in injury-time when Ruane broke through to sail over the last score, keeping Mayo’ unbeaten record in the league intact and moving them two points clear in the table with as many rounds remaining.

Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Roscommon v Mayo in the Allianz Football League here on #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/QBmPLXquZF

— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 5, 2023

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