Mayo manager Stephen Rochford.PHOTO: SPORTFILE

Mayo need nine-point win over Roscommon to book final spot

MAYO need to beat Roscommon on Sunday next in Kiltoom by at least nine points if they are to qualify for the final of the Connaught FBD League.

Having lost to NUIG in their opening group game, Mayo's only chance of making the final against Galway is that they beat Roscommon by nine or more points.

This is assuming NUIG, who will be at very short odds, beat fellow students Sligo IT in their final game. This would mean the group winners will be decided by scoring difference.

However, should Sligo IT pull off a massive shock win or draw against NUIG, Mayo would just need to beat Roscommon to advance to the final as they would be level on points at the top of the table where the winners of the group would be decided on the head to head clash.

But at this stage all the smart money is on Mayo needing to beat Roscommon by nine or more points to win the group.