Extra-time goals see Mayo side into national soccer final

FAI YOUTH INTER-LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINAL

Inishowen League 1

Jack Gill 41

Mayo League 3

Simeon Popov 78, 116; Rian Durkin 113 

In Maginn Park, Buncrana

Mayo may have left it late, but goals from Rian Durkan and substitute Simeon Popov in the second half of extra time were enough to see them into the FAI Youth Inter-League Cup Final.

It was far from smooth sailing in the first half, and Jack Gill showed well to cut inside and produce a fine curling effort to put the hosts one up at half-time on a blustery day in Maginn Park.

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However, that moment proved to be the spark that got Chris McGauley’s Mayo into gear after the changeover.

Rian Durkin and Popov played a neat one-two 77 minutes in before the former’s shot was deflected behind.

From Darragh Reynolds’ resulting corner, Popov rose highest to nod home and level matters, bringing the game to extra time.

The Mayo cause was greatly helped ten minutes into extra time when Danny McDaid was shown a second yellow card.

The Inishowen contingent were right in pointing out that McDaid’s first booking was a case of mistaken identity following their goal celebrations.

That said, Mayo were growing in prowess regardless of their advantage.

With six minutes to go and whispers of penalties growing in the stand, Zack Stone produced a fantastic run and cross from the left flank, which was well met by Durkan who headed home to spark wild scenes.

Five later, Popov rolled past Sam Coyle to make it a brace and leave the result in no doubt, punching Mayo’s ticket to the Cup decider.

A full match report and after-match reaction will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.