Cup chaos reigns in hectic weekend of Mayo soccer

The mania of the Mayo soccer leagues took a backseat for the weekend, being replaced by the insanity of knockout competition in the cups.

In total, 67 goals went in across 13 games involving Mayo sides, averaging out at over five goals a game.

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There were hat tricks, penalty shoot-outs, red cards, and a whole host of drama around the grounds. We’ve tried our best to give even a sample of the spectacles that unfolded as sides booked their place in the next round of the cups.

Connacht Cup

Westport fought back to level proceedings twice on the road to Roscommon against Saint John’s Athletic. Cian Halpin first levelled before Michael O’Brien looked to have done enough to bring the tie to penalties.

However, Jamie Tiernan struck late in the day for the hosts to dump Westport out of the competition.

Jordan Loftus marked his return to the Castlebar Celtic team with a brace as they beat Renmore 4-1. Dylan Edwards and Mark Cunningham got the other goals there.

Elsewhere, Galway side Moyne Villa proved too strong for Manulla as they were swatted aside 7-0.

Mayo Super Cup

Glenhest Rovers proved to be too strong for Kiltimagh/Knock United on Sunday, as they recorded a 4-0 victory. Oisín Hanlon and Sean Vahey were to the fore for Ballinrobe Town as they secured their quarter-final place with a 2-0 win over Ballina Town.

Crossmolina’s Ian Gordon may have been sent off by Damian MacGrath, but it had little impact on the outcome as his side won 4-1 at home against Westport United ‘B’.

Another game with five goals was the clash of Ballyheane ‘B’ and Ballyhaunis. Two goals from Jake Powers and one from Enda Kenny had Ballyhaunis three to the good before 20 minutes. A goal and a penalty from Robert Callaghan put the pressure on, however, the visitors held out for a 3-2 victory.

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Premier Cup

The tie of the opening round was easily the clash of Killala and Westport United ‘C.’ Killala raced into a 3-0 lead courtesy of Tommy Muldoon(2) and Mark Moyles. Cathal Howley and Logan Heraty pulled two back before half-time.

With 19 minutes to go it looked as though Michael Nealon put the game to bed for Killala, before Simeon Popov and Finn Massey, at the death, levelled the tie. It went to extra time and the shootout, where Westport prevailed.

Aidan Dunleavy brought his prolific record of 14 goal involvements in the league for Swinford into this cup tie with Ballyvary Blue Bombers, netting a hat trick and chipping in with an assist as his side won 6-0.

Crossmolina ‘B’ put themselves 2-1 up in the 47th minute; however couldn’t survive Kiltimagh/Knock United ‘B’s onslaught as they succumbed to a 6-2 loss. Dylan Webb with just the four goals and assist there.

Jesper Frisch and Simon Duffy both recorded braces in Fahy Rovers facile 6-1 win over Bangor Hibs.

Achill Rovers prevailed 2-1 against Partry Athletic, while Snugboro beat Kilmore by the same scoreline. Ballinrobe Town ‘B’ may have netted first, but Ballina Town ‘B’ had the last laugh as they scored three without reply to win 3-1.

Ben Joyce followed up his first goal of the league last weekend with a hat-trick as Claremorris ‘B’ prevailed against Conn Rangers ‘C’.

Conn Rangers ‘B’ and Manulla ‘B’ couldn’t be separated after regulation time, and in the end, it took spot kicks, where Manulla prevailed on the road.

Mayo FC

It was a quiet weekend for Mayo FC, with the only game being the clash of the boys’ U-14 side with Galway United. Hosts United prevailed on the day, recording a 7-2 victory in Tolga.