"Excitement, drama, end-to-end football..."

That was James Horan's initial reaction to an incredibly tense all-Connacht clash between Mayo and provincial champions Roscommon at Croke Park in the All Ireland quarter final.

After an early goal-fest, the momentum swung between the two counties as they ultimately settled for a 2-9 to 1-12 draw, leaving them with another 70 minutes of action to come in a replay.

Former Mayo boss Horan was at Croke Park for us Off The Ball and he feels Roscommon manager Kevin McStay deserves credit for the way in which his side clawed back a half time deficit against last year's All Ireland runners-up. 

"Roscommon in the second half after a shaky first half when we talk about that 20 minute period, were very, very good," he said.

"Kevin McStay has to take huge credit for changing the impetus and the momentum of the game at half time. I know it sounds simple putting Enda Smith in but it took Lee [Keegan] out of the game. We saw very little of Lee [in the second half]. 

Lee Keegan proving influential as @MayoGAA stabilise after that rocky start. He's got 1-3 of Mayo's 1-7 #OTB #ROSvMAY pic.twitter.com/GzV5L86zkt

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) July 30, 2017

"But the way they set up structurally, they were sound and at centre half back, Sean Mullooly was very, very good in the second half and drove forward. And Roscommon drove through and took on Mayo and went to beat the man.

"Enda Smith got more into the game and it was a fantastic spectacle, edge of the seat stuff. As bodies got tired, there were a lot of mistakes and turnovers but overall fantastic entertainment."  

That was tense! @MayoGAA @RoscommonGAA must do it all again after that 2-9 to 1-12 draw #ROSvMAY #GAA #OTB pic.twitter.com/1VupRuMpAT

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) July 30, 2017