Mayo miss chances but get job done in Sligo

CONNACHT MINOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Sligo 0-11

Mayo 1-12

Markievicz Park

SLIGO were fighting for their lives and Mayo had already qualified for the final, so the priorities of both teams were very different in the sunhsine this evening. However, an interesting game ensued and kept the crowd entertained throughout.

Mayo won by four and should have won by much more, while Sligo will rue chances which might have saw them sneak a win in the closing stages. It was that type of game. Chances missed were more noteworthy than chances taken.

Mayo management won't be overly concerned. Their boys have a lot to work on before they play Roscommon or Galway in the Connacht final and that's they way they'd like it.

The guests were well clear at half time, 1-8 to 0-4, and the lead should have been greater if numerois goal chances had been taken. In truth, Sligo goalkeeper Gareth Cummins was in exceptional form and pulled off some spectacular saves to deny Oisin Deane, Derry Óg Cox and Kobe McDonald when goals seemed imminent.

The net-shaker Mayo did get, arrived after just seven minutes when Deane slipped McDonald through and the centre-half-forward planted the ball past Cummins.

Sligo had their moments too. Their tactic of trying to beat the Mayo press paid dividends whenever they won possession in midfield and transfered it quickly to the full-forward line where Conor McDonagh and Conor Langan looked dangerous, but the boys in black didn't get enough clean possession in the middle third to make a serious impact.

The home side were restricted to three well-hit dead balls from Aaron Healy and a single from McDonagh for their first half tally while Mayo were more prolific at the other end. Corner-forward Evan Walsh was one of the best players on the pitch; corner-back Conor Coghill wasn't far behind him while David Hurley was highly-impressive at wing-back. Oisin Costello was solid in goal and moved the ball well when it came his way, while Josh Moyles and Owen Loughney got on top around the middle in the second quarter.

The scores dried up after half time. Sligo pushed forward looking for the victory which would put them into the semi-final, while Mayo missed a stream of chances at the other end.

In truth, the home side never looked like getting through for the goal they so badly needed and Mayo never looked like being overtaken despite teh gap closing to three in the final minutes.

A full report and aftermatch reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News