Castlebar Mitchels seal victory with 63rd-minute free after thrilling battle with Aghamore

Mayo Senior Football Championship Round 2

Castlebar Mitchels 1-8 Aghamore 1-7

Oisín McGovern in Josie Munnelly Park

A goal from veteran forward Neil Douglas was pivotal to Castlebar Mitchels snatching victory from Aghamore’s jaws in a low-scoring but entertaining second round championship bout this evening.

Douglas’ opportunistic 55th goal overturned an Aghamore green flag that looked to have sent them down the home stretch.

Mitchels’ goalie Rory Byrne then kicked a free from way out on the right to seal Aghamore’s fate deep into injury time.

Despite losing David Kenny to a black card, a typically defensive Aghamore delivered a resilient first half performance.

Neil Douglas enjoyed some good flashes and kicked two points while Conor Stenson and Ethan Gibbons (a free) kicked the remainder.

Aghamore’s counter-attacking approach saw Fergal Boland (a free), Liam Lavin, Sean Óg Tigue and Brendan Harrison all split the posts during a first half which end 0-4 all.

Barry Moran’s men often found themselves frustrated going forward but persist with a direct attacking style.

The second half was also low scoring but just as intense and exciting, eventually roaring into life when Conor Kilkenny shook the Mitchels’ net after a lovely team move.

However, within a minute, an apparent point attempt from Conor Stenson found Neil Douglas perfectly positioned to spin around and drive home the equalising goal.

Rory Byrne kicked a magnificent winning score in the 63rd minute to leave Aghamore with a point from two games while Mitchels sit pretty with three points.

There will be a full report plus reaction from both camps in Tuesday’s Mayo News.