Breaffy firepower dispatches Davitts to continue perfect streak

SENIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE 1A

Breaffy 3-11

Davitts 1-14

In Breaffy

THE league is a source of joy so far for Breaffy manager Sean Deane and his men. The West-Mayo side continued their perfect start into the league campaign on Friday night and have now recorded four wins from four matches.

Obviously, Deane's men currently have to do without their players on the Mayo senior panel, and compared to their last league match in Ballinrobe, the starting 15 saw four changes this time. Despite that, Breaffy showed enough firepower to send Davitts back down the N60 empty handed.

In warm, sun splashed conditions, goals from Joe Mellett, Paul McDermott and Pierce Deane secured the win for Breaffy, but it was Davitts, who had the better start. Even though Breaffy were dominating the middle third, winning almost every breaking ball in the opening quarter, they couldn't score. Breaffy hit five wides in the first quarter.

Davitts on the other hand were efficient. Four shots – four hits, including a two-point free from Jack Melvin to leave the men in black in front, 0-5 to 0-0. 

Then Breaffy – finally – made their midfield dominance tell. Three points in quick succession plus their first goal handed them the lead.

At half-time Breaffy were two clear, 2-6 to 10 points. The second half would prove very difficult for Davitts. As efficient as the guests were in the first half, they couldn't buy a score in the second. In the whole third quarter, Davitts didn't get any points on the board.

Breaffy were five points up with six minutes left and seemed on course for victory but three unanswered frees from Davitts forward Niall Treacy kept their hopes alive. But they ran out of time eventually and Breaffy's Niall Carter had the last word with a point.

The Breaffy midfield pairing of Oisín Tunney and especially Niall Carter had a standout performance.

Davitt's Ciarán Treacy showed bravery, posing problems for his opponents. Also Niall Treacy, who was subbed in at half-time, proved to be a menace and a reliable free taker in crunch situations.

Breaffy face Parke next, in two weeks' time while Davitts will have another tough away fixture, against Castlebar Mitchels.

A full match report will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.