Goals win games as Balla defeat last year's Mayo intermediate kingpins

MAYO SFL DIVISION 1B 

Balla 3-11

Crossmolina Deel Rovers 0-13

In Balla

Balla secured an impressive win over table-toppers Crossmolina in a game that finished in chaotic scenes in Nally Park.

The match began in explosive fashion with the home side scoring two quickfire goals thanks to this year’s Mayo U-20 Oisin Cronin and the accurate Conor Walsh who scored from the penalty spot. A few minutes later, Walsh stepped up to take Balla’s second penalty but his effort was saved by Patrick O’Malley.

Last year’s intermediate champions were sluggish early on but two quickfire two-pointers from the skillful Kobe McDonald and the accurate Fionan Duffy kept them in touch as they trailed by four at the break. 

READ MORE: Deadly duo kick 2-15 between them as 'Tubber flex muscles in Mayo league clash

Balla’s Gary McHale entered the fray as a half-time substitute and he made a big impact on proceedings. McHale stepped up to score from the penalty spot after his side were remarkably awarded their third spot-kick of the evening. 

James Maheady, McDonald and Duffy reduced the deficit for the visitors but up the other end, a monster of a score from Colm Murphy and excellent free-taking from McHale kept the hosts ticking over while Crossmolina tried to claw back the deficit. However it was too late and Balla claimed the points. 

After the game, there were fiery clashes between players and members of management teams as tension was clearly evident in the Balla air. 

A full match report will be carried in Tuesday’s edition of The Mayo News.