Following their lacklustre draw last Sunday (0-7 to 1-4 ) in the Connacht final against Sligo at Hyde Park, the Galway minor footballers and, especially their forward division, have a chance to redeem themselves at Tuam Stadium tomorrow evening in the replay (Friday 7pm ).
The Galway defence was impressive in the drawn game. Conceding one point in the first 20 minutes, they held the Sligo forwards well in the last quarter of the game too, with Barna's Ian Kent giving a very solid display.
However, Stephen Joyce's forwards struggled to make any real impact. Conor Mardsen, who had been in terrific form the first day against Mayo, and team captain Michael Boyle, both failed to make the expected impact. Both young men will be chomping at the bit to do better in St Jarlath's park.
A total of 15 Galway wides, nine in the first half and six in the second, indicates the lack of cohesion in the forward unit.
Ironically, it was Galway who scored the last three points of the game, with midfielder Cillian McDaid grabbing the equaliser.
Team manager Stephen Joyce was philosophical about the team's performance after the game.
"We created a lot of chances. But we did not take our scores. However, we have a another chance on Friday night to go at it again. One day they go over for you and sometimes they don't. The main thing is that we have another opportunity to win the championship in the replay, and that is what we are focusing on."
While pleased the game will be on home turf, Joyce has been around too long to think it will be a major factor.
"You can't expect the venue to win it for you. It is 15 against 15, and we will have to produce a good performance to win it. It will be an extra game for both sides and hopefully that will be a positive for us over the next few weeks."
Galway v Roscommon the last day were; Ronan O Beolain (Micheal Breathnach ), Caelan Mulry (Monivea Abbey ), Dylan McHugh (Corofin ), Ian Kent (Bearna ), Sean Kelly (Moycullen ), Liam OCellaigh (An Spideal ), John Daly (Mountbellew/Moylough ), Colm OBraonain (Oileain Arainn ), Cillian McDaid (Monivea Abbey ), Eric Lee (Oughterard ), Conor Marsden (Kilconly ), Finnian OLaoi (An Spideal ), Ciaran Brady (Corofin ), Michael Boyle (cpt, Killererin ), Ryan Forde (Annaghdown ). Subs used: Colin Ryan (Mountbellew/Moylough ), Paudie McCormack (An Cheathru Rua ), Eamon Conroy (Salthill/Knocknacarra ).
