Moy Davitts avoid shock defeat to snatch draw against Lahardane

Mayo Intermediate Football Championship Group 1 Round 3

Moy Davitts 1-14

Lahardane 2-11

Oisín McGovern 

In Ballina

DESPITE having nothing to play for regarding qualification, Lahardane were one kick of a ball away from a stunning upset against a fancied Moy Davitts team this evening. 

Rooted to the bottom of the table without a win, Lahardane produced a display that pushed last year’s county-semi-finalists all the way to the final whistle. 

In the end, a Ronan Clarke free was the only thing that spared James Mulderrig’s men from a shock defeat - albeit one that still would have seen them top the group.

Inspired by the excellent Shane Finnerty, Lahardane put it up to Moy Davitts in the opening quarter. 

Brian Reape then struck a nice goal, and by the 25th minute, the Moysiders were six points up. 

Leading 1-8 0-5 at the break, Moy Davitts looked comfortable until James Maughan barreled through their defence, played a one-two with Keelan Dyra, and palmed it into the net in the 43rd minute.

Moy Davitts re-took the lead but lost it again when Aaron Murphy got on the end of a high ball and raised Lahardane’s second green flag. 

The game hung on a cliff edge but was ultimately levelled by two late Ronan Clarke frees.

Moy Davitts top Group 1 with five points while Lahardane will face a relegation play-off after finishing bottom with one point from this drawn thriller. 

A full report, plus reaction from Lahardane manager Eddie Conroy, will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.