Westport United crowned Mayo U-21 Division 1 champions after cracking contest against Castlebar Celtic

Mayo Football League U21 Division 1

Westport United 4

K Kitterick 5,31, D O’Malley 21, C Halpin 64

Castlebar Celtic 1

E Hughes 8

Westport United were crowned U-21 league champions for the first time as they defeated Castlebar Celtic in a five-goal thriller on Saturday afternoon at United Park.

The game was played at breakneck speed with plenty of tackles flying in throughout. It was the hosts that took the lead after five minutes thanks to Kevin Ketterick, who chased down a loose pass and slid the ball past the onrushing Castlebar keeper. Westport’s lead was fleeting though as Eoghan Hughes robbed Noah Massey of the ball before slotting home decisively to level the tie just three minutes later.

Both teams were enjoying spells of possession but it was Westport creating the better chances. Forward Dan O’Malley fired them back in front on 21 minutes from close range after the Castlebar defence failed to clear their lines at the second time of asking. United doubled their advantage on the half hour mark as Kevin Ketterick produced a free kick of exceptional quality that nestled in the top corner and gave Castlebar keeper Stefan Hester no chance.

Castlebar never gave up but Westport put the result in no doubt in the second half thanks to a well worked move finished off by Cian Halpin on 64 minutes. The visitors were reduced to 10 men shortly after as captain Mark Cunningham saw red for his coming together with Westport forward Dan O’Malley. It was adeserved win for Westport in an action-packed game.