Crossmolina crowned Division 2 league champions at the expense of Ardnaree Sarsfields

Mayo Senior Football League Division 2 Final 

Crossmolina 1-14 Ardnaree 0-12

In Ballina

A lucky goal from ex-Mayo Minor James Maheady made a huge difference as Crossmolina were crowned Division 2 league champions in rainy Ballina this afternoon.

The Deelsiders worked the scoreboard throughout the game against a dogged Ardnaree who played well in bursts but were short scorers outside Seaghan Duffy and John Timlin. 

On a day when all six of Crossmolina’s starting forwards scored from play, five points (including two frees) from the impressive John Timlin weren’t going to cut it for Ardnaree. 

There was little to separate the teams in the early stages, with the wet conditions scuppering several passes, plays and shots. 

Crossmolina were better in front of goal, but only put daylight between themselves and their opponents in the 22nd minute when Maheady’s point attempt dropped under the bar past goalkeeper Blaine Ginty, who lost his footing and saw the ball slip and into a soggy net.

From then on the victors - who were without county men Conor Loftus and Jordan Flynn - were always a good distance ahead of their opponents. 

Ardnaree were competitive in the second half, with Seaghan Duffy and John Timlin asking serious questions of the Cross’ defence on a few occasions. 

Impressive second-half showings from Fionán Duffy and Patrick Leddy helped the men in maroon and white to a six-point win on a day when the standard of football belied the miserable weather conditions. 

A full report, plus reaction from Crossmolina’s Fionán Duffy and Brian Benson, will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.