Mayo just do enough

Mayo just do enough

Mayo    1-19
Cavan   3-7

Mike Finnerty

NOBODY seemed too sure what to expect from Mayo before this game and the same situation still pertains despite the six point win that was eventually chisseled out last Saturday evening.
A late flurry that yielded a string of points served to gloss the final scoreline and cement Mayo’s dominance, but there can be no disguising Cavan’s limitations and the challenge match atmosphere that hung over the match for the most part.
Mayo came through because they got their act together in the second half, had more quality in their ranks, and both Alan Dillon and Conor Mortimer had their eye in, shooting a dozen points between them.
The visitors didn’t manage to find their second wind in the final quarter and were unable to stay with Mayo when they upped the ante. Cavan also depended far too much on their spiritual leader, Dermot McCabe for inspiration and while he was outstanding, there wasn’t enough in the way of help.
McCabe was also the prominent figure in one of the game’s watershed moments in the 50th minute. His superbly struck pass released Jason O’Reilly for a well-taken goal that put Cavan in front for only the second time (2-7 to 0-12) and we prepared for a fight to the finish.
Instead, Mayo broke downfield from the resultant kick-out and a lovely, flowing move saw Andy Moran make an incisive run that carved open the Cavan backline. Conor Mortimer’s goalbound shot was blocked but Barry Moran popped up to finish the ball to the net.
Cavan’s lead had lasted less than sixty seconds and Mayo never paused for breath again. From there to the finish they tacked on seven points and held Cavan to a goal as the match ended as a contest.
On the plus side, John O’Mahony will be pleased with the performances of Trevor Howley and Trevor Mortimer in defence, the return of Ronan McGarrity after illness, and the energy and confidence of Pierce Hanley, Alan Dillon, Conor Mortimer and Andy Moran.
Hanley, on his debut, was very impressive. The teenager slotted into the centre-forward role neatly and kicked two fine points to crown an eye-catching display.
But there is plenty to work on too. As a unit, Mayo’s full-back line simply didn’t work. They struggled to cope with Cavan’s aerial bombardment and the strength and direct style of Ger Pierson, Sean Brady and the Reillys also caused them serious difficulty.
The lack of a dominant full-back continues to be conspicuous by his absence and the problem is not likely to go away.
Midfield also played only in fits and starts but, overall, David Brady, David Heaney and Ronan McGarrity shaded the battle and will benefit from the work-out.
The experiment of playing Barry Moran at full-forward worked to a degree; the gangly midfielder caused Cavan plenty of anxious moments and scored a goal, but he will need time to find his bearings (and his feet) in the position.
His presence on the edge of the square had the expected major impact on Mayo’s tactics, and their game was much more direct than usual. It was a game-plan that worked well early on and quick points from Trevor Mortimer (after a barnstorming run), Pierce Hanley (after a similar sprint through the middle), Andy Moran and Conor Mortimer left them 0-4 to 0-2 up after fourteen minutes.
But Cavan also went ‘route-one’ as much as possible early on and they had notable success with it; Ray Cullivan clipping a sweet score and Dermot McCabe landing two frees to level the match at 0-5 apiece by the 24th minute.   
Mayo had played most of the football but were unable to shake off their opponents. It must have come as a relief then when a late purple patch yielded a string of points from Alan Dillon (two frees and a trademark score from play) and Conor Mortimer (a free) saw them lead by 0-9 to 0-6 at the break.
Alan Dillon’s influence became more pronounced as the match wore on and he kicked a fine point on the run after the restart to extend Mayo’s advantage.
Again we wondered if Cavan would slowly fade away but instead they came roaring back;